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Maths in movies has often been used creatively as a method by which to engage students in formulas and numerical theory. The 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz features a maze of potential mathematical problems – not least the Scarecrow’s incorrect pronunciation of Pythagoras’ theorem. Presented by The Open University’s David Brannan and Phil Rippon, ‘From Fractions to Formulas’ is a light-hearted parody of the Wizard of Oz (pronounced "Oh-Zed"), in which the traditional characters are replaced by mathematical concepts, including fractions and Pi, that come together in an enactment of the pioneering mathematician, Leonard Euler's formula: e^(i Pi) = -1. The accompanying tracks are taken from Open University maths courses and explore the problems tackled in the drama. For more information and how to study at The Open University, go to www.mcs.open.ac.uk
Track 2: A Brief History of Numbers
Starting in Africa 20,000 years ago, trace the history of numbers through time, including Egyptian use of fractions and the problems of Roman numerals.
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Tracks in this podcast:
| Track | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas | An audio discussion about mathematics in The Wizard of Oz. Play now The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas |
| 2 | A Brief History of Numbers | Starting in Africa 20,000 years ago, trace the history of numbers through time, including Egyptian use of fractions and the problems of Roman numerals. Play now A Brief History of Numbers |
| 3 | Complex Numbers | Computer generated animations looking at 'Complex Numbers'. Play now Complex Numbers |
| 4 | Rational and Irrational Numbers | Using tally sticks, a cake, a thermometer, a number line and graphics boards, David Brannan and Phil Rippon, both of The Open University, look at rational and irrational numbers. Play now Rational and Irrational Numbers |
| 5 | Square Roots | An exploration into the intricacies of square roots. Play now Square Roots |
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