The Great Math Mystery poster
FilmDocumentary

The Great Math Mystery (2015)

NR · 2015-04-15 · 54m · EN
78%
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NOVA leads viewers on a mathematical mystery tour -- a provocative exploration of math's astonishing power across the centuries. We discover math's signature in the swirl of a nautilus shell, the whirlpool of a galaxy and the spiral in the center of a sunflower. Math was essential to everything from the first wireless radio transmissions to the prediction and discovery of the Higgs boson and the successful landing of rovers on Mars. But where does math get its power? Astrophysicist and writer Mario Livio, along with a colorful cast of mathematicians, physicists and engineers, follows math from Pythagoras to Einstein and beyond, all leading to the ultimate riddle: Is math an invention or a discovery? Humankind's clever trick or the language of the universe?

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Dan McCabeDirector, WriterRichard ReiszDirector

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Top billed cast

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Jay O. SandersJay O. SandersNarrator (voice)Max TegmarkMax TegmarkSelfGlenn KalisonGlenn KalisonActorMario LivioMario LivioHimselfChristophe GoléChristophe GoléHimselfSylvester James GatesSylvester James GatesSelfAdam SteltznerAdam SteltznerSelfEsperanza SpaldingEsperanza SpaldingHerselfMaria ChudnovskyMaria ChudnovskyHerselfSavas DimopoulosSavas DimopoulosSelfDusa McDuffDusa McDuffHerselfMichael O'BoyleMichael O'BoyleHimself

Keywords

Mathematics

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDocumentaryTheme affinityMathematicsPacingShortDirector preference784490 · 784491Actor preference134165 · 205912 · 784475Country preferenceUs

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Frequently asked questions about The Great Math Mystery

What is The Great Math Mystery about?

NOVA leads viewers on a mathematical mystery tour -- a provocative exploration of math's astonishing power across the centuries. We discover math's signature in the swirl of a nautilus shell, the whirlpool of a galaxy and the spiral in the center of a sunflower. Math was essential to everything from the first wireless radio transmissions to the prediction and discovery of the Higgs boson and the successful landing of rovers on Mars. But where does math get its power? Astrophysicist and writer Mario Livio, along with a colorful cast of mathematicians, physicists and engineers, follows math from Pythagoras to Einstein and beyond, all leading to the ultimate riddle: Is math an invention or a discovery? Humankind's clever trick or the language of the universe?

How long is The Great Math Mystery?

The Great Math Mystery has a runtime of 54 minutes.

Where can I watch The Great Math Mystery?

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