Stand-up comedian, mathematician, and author Matt Parker discusses the omnipresence of triangles and trigonometry in everyday life, from building structures to CGI imagery. He emphasizes the practical applications and importance of rediscovering trigonometry learned in high school, showcasing how triangles play a crucial role in various fields like construction, space exploration, and entertainment.
Triangles are crucial in architecture for stability through finite element analysis.
Trigonometry plays a key role in accurate navigation and GPS technology development.
Deep dives
The Ubiquity and Utility of Triangles
Triangles are prevalent in various aspects of life due to their unique properties. From helping erect tall buildings to aiding spacecraft landings on distant planets, triangles play a critical role. Mathematician Matt Parker highlights the significance of triangles in creating CGI images and emphasizes the importance of appreciating trigonometry learned in school.
Greek Math Pioneers and Their Contributions
Pioneers like Pythagoras and Archimedes revolutionized mathematical proofs and discoveries. Pythagoras solidified the Pythagorean theorem, ensuring its perpetual validity. Archimedes explored unconventional shapes, like 13 Archimedean solids, showcasing math's versatility and depth. Euclid furthered mathematical knowledge, proving the existence and properties of the five Platonic solids.
Mathematics in Real-world Applications
Trigonometry and geometry are vital in architectural and structural engineering endeavors. Through finite element analysis, buildings are assessed for stability using intricate mesh divisions. This method, akin to CGI's triangle mesh modeling, ensures buildings remain intact. Furthermore, navigation history showcases the deployment of triangles to measure distances accurately and lay foundations for modern GPS technology.
From tortilla chips and ham sandwiches to teepees and the Great Pyramid of Giza, the world is filled with triangles. But why is this seemingly simple shape so ubiquitous and how do we take advantage of its unique properties?
In this episode we catch up with stand-up comedian, mathematician and best-selling author Matt Parker to talk about his latest book Love Triangle: The Life-Changing Magic of Trigonometry.
He tells us how triangles can be used to erect the world’s tallest buildings, help spacecraft land on distant planets and create realistic CGI images, and explains how we should all fall back in love with the trigonometry we learned in high school.