Neil deGrasse Tyson & 3Blue1Brown Answer Your Cosmic Math Questions

Find out more about Bitdefender’s two decades of unparalleled cybersecurity excellence:
https://bitdefend.me/StarTalkTA

Is math discovered or invented? Neil deGrasse Tyson & Chuck Nice explore information theory, talking to aliens with prime numbers, Mandelbrot sets, and why math is often called the "language of the universe" with Grant Sanderson, the math educator behind YouTube channel ‪@3blue1brown‬

Chuck asks the big question: “What the hell is math?” Grant explains that math goes beyond numbers and symbols—it's a universal system of truth rooted in axioms, like those laid out by Euclid in geometry. But is it a tool we invented, or a discovery we unearthed from the natural world? We explore both perspectives discussing how humans have shaped and been shaped by mathematical concepts over time.

Learn how math connects us to the universe—literally. Could aliens understand prime numbers? Could we communicate with aliens using math? We discuss practical applications and how we benefit from the mental rigor math provides. Should math be taught as an art form? Plus, learn about Mandelbrot sets and how simple math can yield complex structures.

We break down complex topics like information theory, and the central limit theorem, revealing how even the most abstract math finds its way into practical and scientific use. Learn how AI is entering the mathematical landscape, helping to solve problems that previously seemed out of reach. Tune in for a fascinating journey through the beauty, challenges, and infinite possibilities of math!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: 3Blue1Brown
02:50 - What is Math?
09:31 - Is Math Invented or Discovered?
14:05 - How Do You Make People Like Math?
18:28 - Information Theory & Wordle
23:20 - Central Limit Theorem
30:18 - Mandelbrot Sets & Fractals
38:58 - AI in Math
42:30 - Looking at Irrational Numbers
47:42 - Black Hole Math
50:32 - The Beauty of Mathematics
56:38 - Closing Thoughts

Check out our second channel, @StarTalkPlus

Get the NEW StarTalk book, 'To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PL0NFn

Support us on Patreon:   / startalkradio  

FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk:
Twitter:   / startalkradio  
Facebook:   / startalk  
Instagram:   / startalk  

About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson