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Mathematics is the sense you never knew you had | Eddie Woo | TEDxSydney
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Mathematics is the sense you never knew you had | Eddie Woo | TEDxSydney

Introduction

In this section, the speaker introduces himself and his topic of discussion.

The Speaker's Background

  • The speaker shares that he loves mathematics.
  • He explains that most people are outsiders when it comes to mathematics, including himself.
  • The speaker shares that he will be providing an outsider's perspective on mathematics.

Becoming a Mathematics Teacher

  • The speaker shares how he became a mathematics teacher by chance encounter with a professor at Sydney University.
  • He explains that becoming a teacher was not about his love for the subject but rather having a personal impact on young people's lives.

Changing Perspective on Mathematics

  • The speaker shares how his perspective on mathematics changed from thinking it was about rote learning formulas to realizing its practicality and beauty.

Mathematics as Problem Solving

In this section, the speaker discusses how mathematics is about problem-solving and creativity.

Seeing Problems in New Ways

  • The speaker explains that mathematics is about forming new ways to see problems so we can solve them by combining insight with imagination.
  • He gives an example of how seeing things differently can help solve problems more efficiently.

Creativity in Mathematics

  • The speaker talks about how creativity plays an essential role in solving mathematical problems.
  • He gives examples of famous mathematicians who used creativity to solve problems.

Mathematics in Everyday Life

In this section, the speaker discusses how mathematics is present in everyday life.

Mathematics in Nature

  • The speaker talks about how mathematics is present in nature and gives examples of patterns found in nature.
  • He explains how understanding these patterns can help us solve real-world problems.

Mathematics in Technology

  • The speaker talks about how mathematics plays a crucial role in technology and gives examples of how it's used.
  • He explains that understanding mathematics is essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in technology.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes his talk on mathematics.

Everyone Can Be a Mathematician

  • The speaker reiterates that everyone has the potential to be a mathematician.
  • He encourages people to embrace their creativity and think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving.

Importance of Mathematics Education

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of mathematics education and encourages more people to pursue careers as mathematics educators.
  • He concludes by thanking the audience for listening and encouraging them to continue learning about mathematics.

Mathematics as a Sense

In this section, the speaker introduces mathematics as a sense that allows us to perceive realities that would be otherwise intangible. The speaker compares mathematics to other senses like sight and touch.

Mathematics as a Sense

  • Mathematics is a sense just like sight and touch.
  • It allows us to perceive patterns, relationships, and logical connections in the world around us.
  • The speaker shows an example of mathematical reality hidden in plain sight - the river delta.
  • Geometry is the mathematics of all shapes, not just triangles and circles.

Fractals in Nature

In this section, the speaker talks about fractals - shapes that are broken or shattered - and how they are found everywhere in nature.

Fractals in Nature

  • River deltas have a mathematically recursive structure that repeats at different scales.
  • Lightning bolts have similar shapes to river deltas.
  • Human bodies are filled with blood vessels that trace out fractal patterns.
  • Fractals are examples of mathematical patterns found everywhere in nature, from broccoli to clouds.

Developing Our Mathematical Sense

In this section, the speaker discusses how our mathematical sense can be refined with practice. He also talks about how some people may be born with sharper senses than others but emphasizes that everyone has the ability to see patterns.

Developing Our Mathematical Sense

  • Our mathematical sense can be refined with practice, just like developing perfect pitch or a taste for wines.
  • Some people may be born with sharper senses than others, but everyone has the ability to see patterns.
  • The speaker believes that we close ourselves off from a huge part of the human experience if we don't try to develop our mathematical sense.

Mathematics in Art and Design

In this section, the speaker talks about how mathematics is present in art and design. He gives examples of Islamic art and design as well as flowers that exhibit rotational symmetry.

Mathematics in Art and Design

  • Music was once described as the joy that people feel when they are counting but don't know it.
  • Islamic art and design feature intricate tile arrangements and geometric forms due to an aversion to depicting humans and animals.
  • Flowers exhibit rotational symmetry, which creates a special kind of beauty.

The Golden Ratio

In this section, the speaker explains how the golden ratio is a mathematical reality that can be found everywhere in nature and architecture.

The Beauty of 137.5 Degrees

  • Using an angle of 137.5 degrees creates a beautiful pattern.
  • This pattern is astonishing and is used by the sunflower.
  • The angle of 137.5 degrees emerges from the "golden ratio," which is a mathematical reality found everywhere in nature and architecture.
  • Examples of where the golden ratio can be found include the phalanges of fingers and pillars of the Parthenon.

Applications of the Golden Ratio

  • The golden ratio has been used in art, music, and design for centuries.
  • It can also be seen in natural phenomena such as spiral galaxies and hurricanes.
  • Some people believe that using the golden ratio in design creates a more aesthetically pleasing result.
  • However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Criticisms of the Golden Ratio

  • Some critics argue that using the golden ratio in design can lead to formulaic and predictable results.
  • Others point out that many examples attributed to using the golden ratio actually do not follow it precisely.

Conclusion

  • While opinions on its usefulness may vary, there is no denying that the golden ratio exists throughout nature and has been used extensively in human creations for centuries.
Video description

In this illuminating talk, high school mathematics teacher and YouTube star Eddie Woo shares his passion for mathematics, declaring that "mathematics is a sense, just like sight and touch" and one we can all embrace. Using surprising examples of geometry, he encourages everyone to seek out the patterns around us, for "a whole new way to see the world". A public high school teacher for more than 10 years, Eddie Woo gained international attention when he posted videos of his classroom lessons online, to assist an ill student. His YouTube channel, WooTube, has more than 200,000 subscribers and over 13 million views. Eddie believe that mathematics can be embraced and even enjoyed by absolutely everybody. He was named Australia's Local Hero and was a Top 10 Finalist in the Global Teacher Prize for his love of teaching mathematics. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx