Math and Magic

Movie / Show Details

Pick a card! Think of a number! Magic tricks are irresistible to watch and even more fun to perform. A surprising number are based on mathematical principles. In 12 delightful half-hour lessons, Professor of Mathematics Arthur T. Benjamin of Harvey Mudd College, who also performs as a professional magician, explains some of his favorite math-based showpieces. From card tricks to feats of mental calculation to geometric conundrums, Math and Magic teaches you how to do dozens of tricks that will leave your audiences scratching their heads in amazement. Above all, you will be able to explain the math that’s really pulling the strings, whether it’s an algebraic expression, a computational shortcut, or a strange topological property. No math background beyond high school is needed to understand these tricks, and most can be performed by those who are much younger. Many professional mathematicians first fell in love with math thanks to magic tricks, and these lessons can do the same for you. The first half of the course is devoted to card tricks, including stunning effects based on Hummer’s principle and Gilbreath’s principle, two very productive strategies for working magic with cards. The second half teaches you simple tricks behind lightning-fast calculations that make you look like a genius, along with fun phenomena connected to Möbius bands, magic squares, other math-based wonders.