Comments on: Selling mathematical thinking the Apple way

By: Evan Weinberg

Evan Weinberg — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:35:13 +0000

This is exactly the sort of thing I’m looking for – is it possible to do this with a system of equations? Complex numbers? I’m sure it can be done!

By: Evan Weinberg

Evan Weinberg — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:32:32 +0000

In reply to David Wees.

I completely agree – fractals are my favorite objects to use to illustrate the unpredictable beauty generated through mathematical thinking. The only problem is that they aren’t a focal point of most curricula or classes. My hunt is for images/ads that are evocative of mathematical thinking, aesthetically pleasing, AND are deeply connected to the concepts they will learn in the course. That doesn’t mean we can’t use fractals, but is it possible to show the beauty of linear equations (for example), a more common element of math classes, in this way?

By: David Wees

David Wees — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:56:06 +0000

I think that there are mathematical objects which are far more interesting to use as a backdrop. Calculus is interesting (once you learn a bit about it, and get past some of the notation), but fractals are HOT.

By: John Burk

John Burk — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:53:25 +0000

Evan, I like this post. A long time ago, I tried to do something similar and develop an ad campaign for physics under the slogan, "Simplify your life...study physics. "