Exploring mathematics: maths in nature and art: Recent Episodes

The Open University

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.

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A short introduction to the content of this album.

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

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Ways of creating a mathematical spiral.

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Using computers to design carpets.

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

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The mathematics behind the curves created with a torch beam

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Algebraic systems to represent slices of cones.

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

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

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A mistake in calculations leads to a revolutionary discovery.

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The benefit of using a computer for iteration calculations.

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

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

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Exploiting fractals for commercial purposes.