StarTalk Radio The Language of the Universe with Grant Sanderson (3blue1brown)
60 snips
May 20, 2025 
Grant Sanderson, the brilliant mind behind the YouTube channel 3Blue1Brown, joins Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice for a captivating conversation. They dive into the enigma of dividing by zero, exploring why it’s a no-go with amusing examples. The trio tackles uncharted territories in mathematics, including the elusive Riemann hypothesis and the charm of unsolved problems. With a mix of humor and insight, they highlight the significance of higher dimensions and the transformative power of understanding math in relation to the cosmos.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Twin Prime Conjecture Spark
- Grant Sanderson recalls his dad asking about twin prime numbers when he was 11, sparking his fascination with unsolved math problems.
- This personal story highlights how prime number mysteries captivate even young math enthusiasts.
Polynomial Solution Limitations
- It's impossible to find a formula for solving polynomial equations of degree five or higher with standard operations.
- This limitation led to the birth of modern abstract algebra, revolutionizing math in the 19th century.
Galois' Duel and Legacy
- Evariste Galois, who died at age 20 in a duel, laid groundwork proving equations degree five or higher are unsolvable by radicals.
- This dramatic story is often told to capture the origins of Galois theory and its profound math impact.