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

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.

Maths in Nature and Art

A short introduction to the content of this album.

07-15
00:49

Spirals in nature

An introduction to a primitive mollusc, a triumph of natural engineering.

07-15
01:27

How to create a spiral

Ways of creating a mathematical spiral.

07-15
05:29

Manufacturing patterns

Using computers to design carpets.

07-15
06:48

How a sundial works

Using the shadow’s path to register the passing of time.

07-15
01:52

Visualising a conic

The mathematics behind the curves created with a torch beam

07-15
03:06

Slicing cones

Algebraic systems to represent slices of cones.

07-15
04:08

Where art meets maths

How repeating motifs in fabric designs are made up of four isometric transformations.

07-15
11:44

The last universalist

An introduction to Henri Poincare and his efforts to prove the mathematical stability of the solar system.

07-15
03:18

A chaotic universe

A mistake in calculations leads to a revolutionary discovery.

07-15
03:54

The power of computers

The benefit of using a computer for iteration calculations.

07-15
01:48

The lure of fractal images

Mathematicians have been fascinated with creating fractal patterns on a computer.

07-15
02:38

Natural mathematics

How close examination of a fern reveals the geometry of fractals.

07-15
03:21

The practical application of fractals

Exploiting fractals for commercial purposes.

07-15
08:17

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