You are here

Home » MAA Publications » Periodicals » Math Horizons » Math Horizons Contents—February 2014

Math Horizons Contents—February 2014

I am very pleased and honored to be the new editor of Math Horizons. In the February issue, Steven Strogatz talks to Patrick Honner about teaching, writing, and mathematics; Heidi Hulsizer uses linear algebra and modular arithmetic to beat a popular shoot-'em-up video game; James Hamblin and Doug McInvale use data to analyze a controversial decision by the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI; and Erik Tou writes about the mathematics of juggling. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together. —David Richeson, editor

Volume 21, Issue 3

JOURNAL SUBSCRIBERS AND MAA MEMBERS:

To read the full articles, please log in to the member portal by clicking on 'Login' in the upper right corner. Once logged in, click on 'My Profile' in the upper right corner.

Do the Math! Juggling with Numbers

Erik R. Tou

Generate interesting juggling patterns using mathematics.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.5

A Conversation with Steven Strogatz

Mathematician and author Steven Strogatz talks about writing, teaching, Twitter, and what makes mathematics great in this interview by Patrick Honner. (pdf)

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.8

A ‘Mod’ern Mathematical Adventure in Call of Duty: Black Ops

Heidi Hulsizer

A shoot-’em-up video game contains an Easter egg that can be solved using linear algebra and modular arithmetic.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.12

The View from Here: Who's That Teaching My Class?

Josh Pabian

This student initially struggles with, but is eventually inspired by, his inquiry-based learning class.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.16

Math Experts Split the Check

Ben Orlin

A mathematician, a physicist, an engineer, a computer scientist, and an economist tackle the tricky mathematical problem of determining how much to tip the waiter.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.18

Polynomial Long Division and Root Power Sums

Dan Kalman and Stacy Langton

A clever algorithm involving a derivative and polynomial long division generates the sums of the powers of the roots of a polynomial.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.20

The Bookshelf:The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets

review by Jim Wiseman

Simon Singh writes about the hidden mathematical nuggets in The Simpsons.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.24

The Bookshelf: Math on Trial: How Numbers Get Used and Abused in the Courtroom

review by Darren Glass

Leila Schneps and Coralie Colmez write about the dangers of misusing mathematics and statistics in the courtroom.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.25

Monday-Morning Math Modeling: Could the Patriots Have Won Super Bowl XLVI?

James Hamblin and Doug McInvale

The New England Patriots let the New York Giants score a touchdown. Was this the right call?

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.26

THE PLAYGROUND!

The Math Horizons problem section, edited by Gary Gordon

JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.30

AFTERMATH: Steven Strogatz on Math Education

Steven Strogatz discusses the current state of mathematics education in this interview with Patrick Honner.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.3.34