Exploring mathematics: maths in nature and art - for iPod/iPhone

The Open University

What does mathematics have to do with nature or art? The video tracks in this album trace the origin of the mathematics of chaos and describe how the chance discovery of fractals became the basis for some real - and revolutionary - commercial applications such as the fax and the modem. A closer look at ancient fabric designs and the spiral of a nautilus shell also reveals repeating patterns that can be analysed in a mathematical way. This material forms part of The Open University course MS221 Exploring mathematics.

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20 episodes
Updated Jul 15, 2009

Episodes20

Newest first

Jul 15, 2009 · 49 sec
Maths in Nature and Art
A short introduction to the content of this album.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- Maths in Nature and Art
Transcript -- A short introduction to the content of this album.
Jul 15, 2009 · 1 min
Spirals in nature
An introduction to a primitive mollusc, a triumph of natural engineering.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- Spirals in nature
Transcript -- An introduction to a primitive mollusc, a triumph of natural engineering.
Jul 15, 2009 · 5 min
How to create a spiral
Ways of creating a mathematical spiral.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- How to create a spiral
Transcript -- Ways of creating a mathematical spiral.
Jul 15, 2009 · 6 min
Manufacturing patterns
Using computers to design carpets.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- Manufacturing patterns
Transcript -- Using computers to design carpets.
Jul 15, 2009 · 1 min
How a sundial works
Using the shadow’s path to register the passing of time.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- How a sundial works
Transcript -- Using the shadow’s path to register the passing of time.
Jul 15, 2009 · 3 min
Visualising a conic
The mathematics behind the curves created with a torch beam
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- Visualising a conic
Transcript -- The mathematics behind the curves created with a torch beam
Jul 15, 2009 · 4 min
Slicing cones
Algebraic systems to represent slices of cones.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- Slicing cones
Transcript -- Algebraic systems to represent slices of cones.
Jul 15, 2009 · 11 min
Where art meets maths
How repeating motifs in fabric designs are made up of four isometric transformations.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- Where art meets maths
Transcript -- How repeating motifs in fabric designs are made up of four isometric transformations.
Jul 15, 2009 · 3 min
The last universalist
An introduction to Henri Poincare and his efforts to prove the mathematical stability of the solar system.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- The last universalist
Transcript -- An introduction to Henri Poincare and his efforts to prove the mathematical stability of the solar system.
Jul 15, 2009 · 3 min
A chaotic universe
A mistake in calculations leads to a revolutionary discovery.
Jul 15, 2009
Transcript -- A chaotic universe
Transcript -- A mistake in calculations leads to a revolutionary discovery.