The Math Factor

Latest Episodes:

BA. The Ring is Exchanged Aug 14, 2006

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Peter Winkler answers his puzzle set in the Land of Kleptomaniacs, and we chat about Martin Gardner. We'll pose another puzzle next week!

AZ. Another puzzle from Peter Winkler Aug 07, 2006

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We answer last week's puzzle and Peter Winkler asks how to send a ring through the land of the kleptomaniacs.

AY. Dollar Cost Averaging Jul 29, 2006

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A common investment strategy takes advantage of the subtleties of averaging.

AX. Averages are not what they seem! Jul 23, 2006

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Is a man of perfectly average height, and perfectly average weight, too heavy for his size? Averages are not what they seem to be.

AW. Will we run out of Social Security Numbers? Jul 19, 2006

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When will the crisis come? When will we run out of Social Security Numbers, and other musings.

AV. Dennis Shasha Answers Jul 06, 2006

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The solution is a quick bit of algebra, but how do you explain it on the air?

AU. Dennis Shasha asks about Polish Multiplication Jul 01, 2006

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Dennis Shasha, puzzle columnist for Scientific American, asks about a curious way to multiply numbers on your fingers.

AT. Peter Winkler Answers May 23, 2006

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Peter Winkler answers. Another puzzle next week!

AS. A Puzzle From Peter Winkler May 13, 2006

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Peter Winkler, author of "Mathematical Puzzles: A Connoisseur's Collection", asks how many coins are needed to cover a table.

AR. Quick Game May 07, 2006

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Two players take turns removing coins from a line; how can the first player always be sure to have at least as much money as the second?