This chapter delves into the phenomenon known as Benford's Law, which observes a specific distribution in the first digits of numerical data. The hosts discuss the applications of Benford's Law in detecting fraud and share intriguing examples from bank statements to tax returns. They also explore the complexity and mathematical nuances behind the preference for certain number sequences.
First aired back in 2009, this episode is all about one thing, or rather a collection of things. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, chances are you rely on numbers every day of your life. Where do they come from, and what do they really do for us? This hour: stories of how numbers confuse us, connect us, and even reveal secrets about us.