The Math Factor Podcast

CE. Big Numbers

March 24, 2007 · The Mathcast, errata, math puzzles, numbers

We’re well on our way towards describing the two largest numbers that have ever been used! Unfortunately, there are at least three errors in this segment of the Math Factor–can you spot them all?

Standard Podcast [7:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Q&A: Why is 0! = 1?

March 20, 2007 · Q&A, numbers

[[[[This post has been corrupted somehow and we will try to get around to repairing it soon]]]]

David R. of Palo Alto writes:

Have you ever discussed factorials on your podcast? I don’t recall,
but a friend and I are puzzled and so of course we turn to you: Why
is “zero factorial” 1? Was it simply defined that way to frustrate
all of us nonmath folks, or is there a valid explanation?

Read the rest of this entry »

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CD. Alas, Up To A Million Dollars Might Have Been Given Away.

March 19, 2007 · Favorites, Mathfactor Events, The Mathcast, game theory, math puzzles, numbers

We discuss the results of the fabulous Math Factor Million Dollar Giveaway. and confess this was an excuse to bring up Game Theory and how to talk about really big numbers.

[14:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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CC. Fair Division

March 15, 2007 · The Mathcast, answers

The solution to the cake cutting puzzle; the end of the Million Dollar Give-Away.

[6:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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CB. Pi Day

March 7, 2007 · Mathfactor Events, The Mathcast

We take this week off to celebrate Pi Day (March 1)

Ok, that’s only π to one decimal place, and only in some countries, but somehow we got off a week in our radio version of the Math Factor and have to catch up.