The Great Math Mystery -
nova

NOVA leads viewers on a mathematical mystery tour-a provocative exploration of math's astonishing power across the centuries. We discover math's signature in the swirl of a nautilus shell, the whirlpool of a galaxy, and the spiral in the center of a sunflower. Math was essential to everything from the first wireless radio transmissions to the prediction and discovery of the Higgs boson, and the successful landing of rovers on Mars. But where does math get its power? Astrophysicist and writer Mario Livio, along with a colorful cast of mathematicians, physicists, and engineers, follow math from Pythagoras to Einstein and beyond, all leading to the ultimate riddle: Is math an invention or a discovery? Humankind's clever trick, or the language of the universe? The Great Math Mystery is a show for everyone; whether we think we're good with numbers or not, we all use math in our daily lives. The Great Math Mystery sheds fascinating light on how math works in our brains and ponders the ultimate mystery of why it works so well when decoding the universe.

Episode Duration: 56 minutes and 46 seconds

Episode Number: 4207

No future air times were found for this episode.

About Nova:

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines.

Along the way, NOVA programs demystify science and technology and highlight the people involved in scientific pursuits.

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Sun, Apr 21	9:00 P.M.	Making North America: Origins NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Apr 22	1:00 A.M.	Making North America: Origins NH Explore (11.2)
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Tue, Apr 23	7:00 P.M.	Making North America: Origins NH World (11.3)
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Wed, Apr 24	8:00 A.M.	Making North America: Origins NH World (11.3)
Wed, Apr 24	10:00 P.M.	Making North America: Life NHPBS (11.1)
Thu, Apr 25	1:00 P.M.	Making North America: Life NH Explore (11.2)
Fri, Apr 26	3:00 P.M.	Making North America: Life NHPBS (11.1)
Sat, Apr 27	1:00 P.M.	Making North America: Life NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Apr 28	12:00 A.M.	Making North America: Life NHPBS (11.1)
Sun, Apr 28	3:00 A.M.	Making North America: Life NH Explore (11.2)