

#4182
Mentioned in 7 episodes
Humble Pi
A Comedy of Maths Errors
Book • 2019
In 'Humble Pi', Matt Parker delves into a series of real-life events where mathematics did not work out as expected.
He explains glitches, near misses, and mathematical mishaps involving the internet, big data, elections, and more, in a witty and layman-friendly manner.
The book highlights the importance of math in everyday life and the significant consequences of mathematical errors, such as bridge failures and financial blunders.
Parker's approach makes math both fascinating and humorous, showing how math is integrated into our daily lives and why it is essential for our achievements as a species.
He explains glitches, near misses, and mathematical mishaps involving the internet, big data, elections, and more, in a witty and layman-friendly manner.
The book highlights the importance of math in everyday life and the significant consequences of mathematical errors, such as bridge failures and financial blunders.
Parker's approach makes math both fascinating and humorous, showing how math is integrated into our daily lives and why it is essential for our achievements as a species.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 7 episodes
Mentioned by 

as containing the definitive account of the British Airways Flight 5390 incident.


Tim Harford

DOUBLE BILL: A Monkey For Mayor / A Screw Loose At 17,000 Feet
Mentioned by 

when talking about a mathematician with a mobile phone contract.


Matt Parker

112 = Staring Safely At The Sun and Celebrations Off By One
Mentioned by 

as a book containing deliberate mistakes for fun and to detect plagiarism.


Bec Hill

102 = Copyright Traps and Saturday Night Gaps
Recommended by 

as a funny, nerdy book about real-life consequences of mathematical mistakes.


Tim Harford

Cautionary Conversation: Flying on Empty
Mentioned by 

as a book about mathematical mishaps and their consequences.


Tim Harford

Wrong Tools Cost Lives
Mentioned by 

as a book read by a listener of the podcast.


Bec Hill

099 = Most Watched Films and Homonyms
Mentioned by 

in relation to a numerical dispute involving Pepsi's promotion, highlighting mathematical mishaps in the book "Humble Pie."


Tim Harford

Number Fever: How Pepsi Nearly Went Pop
Mentioned by 

as the book discussed in today's Pi Day episode.


Maddie Safai

Humble Pi: Enjoying When Math Goes Awry
Mentioned by 

in the introduction of Matt Parker, a stand-up mathematician and YouTube sensation.


Tim Harford

The numbers behind Squid Game
Mentioned by 

as a new book about common math mistakes.


Maddie Safai

Humble Pi: When Math Goes Awry