IntMath Newsletter: squaring circle, lens fillet, data visualization

16 Feb 2016

In this Newsletter:

1. Squaring the circle - a reader's approach
2. IntMath Forum - latest post
3. Resource: The best Data Visualization tools
4. Math puzzles
5. Math movies: 8 videos that prove math is awesome
6. Final thought: Preparation for tomorrow

1. Squaring the circle - a reader's approach

Here's a reader's approach to the age-old problem of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle, called "squaring the circle" Squaring the circle - a reader's approach

Here's a neat alternative approach in a related article from Jonathan Crabtree:

How to square a circle with string

Of course, the title of the IntMath blog, SquareCirclez, is named after this interesting issue.

2. IntMath Forum - latest post

Here's an interesting real-life application of conic sections and solving simultaneous equations.

When manufacturing eyeglass lenses, it's sometimes necessary to produce a curved edge called a fillet (or "round"). A reader asked how to find the center and radius of such a fillet in the IntMath Forum. See: Fillet radius for eyeglass lens

3. Resource: Big Data Visualization - Review of the 20 Best Tools

A key 21st century math skill — and one which will certainly provide emplyment opportunities in the future — is the presentation and interpretation of data.

There are many easy to use data visualization tools, including Tableau, Infogram, Plot.ly and Google Charts. Students should be learning how to use such tools, how to best present data meaningfully, and how to interpret visual data.

Here's a review of 20 such tools by Blueframe. Most of the tools have a free option and/or education pricing, and most are mobile friendly.

Big Data Visualization: Review of the 20 Best Tools

4. Math puzzles

The puzzle in the last IntMath Newsletter asked about the change in area when we decrease and increase side lengths of a rectangle.

Correct answers with sufficient explanation were given by: Francis, Rutwik, Kai, Jessica, Tomas, Andrzej, Nicos, Michael, Guido, Nour and Janet.

New math puzzle

If p, q, r are distinct integers from 1 to 9 inclusively, what is the largest possible value of ?

You can leave your responses here.

5. Math movies: 8 videos that prove math is awesome

I'm not sure that the word "prove" is especially appropriate here, but I think you'll find at least some of these worth a look. The collection is by Mashable: 8 Videos That Prove Math Is Awesome

6. Final thought: Preparation for tomorrow

American author H. Jackson Brown Jr wrote a book for his college-bound son in which he included 511 reminders about "how to live a happy and rewarding life".

The book went on to become a New York Times bestseller entitled Life's Little Instruction Book.

Here are 2 great quotes from that book:

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you."

That second quote could also have been addressed to teachers.

Until next time, enjoy whatever you learn.

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