The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas - for iPad/Mac/PC

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The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas - for iPad/Mac/PC

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

Episodes

  1. 03/03/2011

    The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas

    An audio discussion about mathematics in The Wizard of Oz.

    29 min

  2. 03/03/2011

    Transcript -- The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas

    An audio discussion about mathematics in The Wizard of Oz.

  3. 03/03/2011

    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.

    15 min

  4. 03/03/2011

    Transcript -- 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.

  5. 01/25/2011 · VIDEO

    Complex Numbers

    Computer generated animations looking at 'Complex Numbers'.

    15 min

  6. 01/25/2011

    Transcript -- Complex Numbers

    Computer generated animations looking at 'Complex Numbers'.

  7. 01/25/2011 · VIDEO

    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.

    24 min

  8. 01/25/2011

    Transcript -- 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.

  9. 01/25/2011 · VIDEO

    Square Roots

    An exploration into the intricacies of square roots.

    12 min

  10. 01/25/2011

    Transcript -- Square Roots

    An exploration into the intricacies of square roots.

  11. 01/25/2011

    The Witch of Agnesi diagram

    A diagram of 'The Witch of Agnesi', which is discussed in the audio track 'The Wizard of Oz: From Fractions to Formulas'.

  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

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