Education Commons^™

Magical Miscellany, Francis Su

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

What is a Math Fun Fact, you ask? A Math Fun Fact is any mathematical tidbit that can be presented or grasped quickly, is surprising or captivating, can be generally enjoyed by friends of mathematics, and is hopefully fun! Of course, part of the fun is thinking about why the Fun Fact is true--so we won't spoil the fun. Though, we may give you some hints and references

However, since there are infinitely many Math Fun Facts (prove this), we can only bring you a few each time... here are a few whose conclusions might be considered "magical".

Is Mathematics Education Taking A Step Backward?, Frances Kuwahara Chinn

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper considers the recent history of mathematics teaching.

Using Humanistic Content And Teaching Methods To Motivate Students And Counteract Negative Perceptions Of Mathematics, Roger Haglund

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper examines the following questions: How is math commonly taught, why is it taught this way, and what are the outcomes? Who are some of the voices calling for change and what are they saying? Can a humanistic approach produce positive results in students who have learned to dislike math and have not been successful in a traditional classroom?

Taxicab Geometry As A Vehicle For The Journey Toward Enlightenment, Neil Greenspan

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Man's Cards And God's Dice: A Conceptual Analysis Of Probability For The Advanced Student, Elie Feder

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

What Are Mathematical Problems?, Emam Hoosain

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Humanistic Mathematics As Mathematics For All, Michael N. Fried

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Humanistic Mathematics: Personal Evaluation And Excavations, Stephen I. Brown

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Innumeracy And Its Perils, Numeracy And Its Promises, Ramakrishnan Menon

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Mathematical Magic, Arthur T. Benjamin

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

In this paper, we present simple strategies for performing mathematical calculations that appear magical to most audiences. Specifically, we explain how to square large numbers, memorize pi to 100 places and determine the day of the week of any given date.