Faster than a calculator | Arthur Benjamin | TEDxOxford
TEDx Talks・1 minute read
Art Benjamin combines math and magic to perform "mathemagics," engaging the audience in mental math challenges and guessing missing digits in calculations, all while demonstrating impressive shortcuts in multiplication and squaring numbers. He involves judges with calculators to participate in solving math problems, emphasizing the potential for human error in calculations.
Insights
- Art Benjamin showcases "mathemagics" by performing mental math feats with audience participation, demonstrating shortcuts for squaring numbers and guessing missing digits in calculations.
- Through interactive challenges and engaging demonstrations, Art Benjamin combines math skills with entertainment, involving the audience in tasks like determining birthdates and solving complex math problems, highlighting the fun and fascinating aspects of mathematics.
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Recent questions
What does Art Benjamin combine to perform?
Math and magic
How many audience members does Art Benjamin invite on stage?
Three
What kind of numbers do audience members provide for multiplication?
Two-digit numbers
What does Art Benjamin challenge the audience to multiply by a random four-digit number?
A number
What does Art Benjamin use to determine the day of the week for birthdays?
An app
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Summary
00:00
"Mathemagics: Art Benjamin's Mind-Blowing Calculations"
- Art Benjamin combines math and magic to perform "mathemagics."
- He invites three audience members with calculators on stage.
- The audience members provide two-digit numbers to multiply.
- Art Benjamin demonstrates a shortcut for squaring numbers on calculators.
- He races the audience members to square three two-digit numbers mentally.
- Art Benjamin then squares three-digit numbers with audience participation.
- He attempts to square a four-digit number with audience input.
- Art Benjamin challenges the audience to multiply a number by a random four-digit number.
- He successfully guesses missing digits in audience members' calculations.
- Art Benjamin engages the audience in determining the day of the week for their birthdays using an app.
13:07
"Judges with calculators solve math problems"
- The speaker instructs judges with calculators to participate, stating there's a 50% chance of making a mistake. If an error occurs, they should hint at it, but if correct, they must announce it. The speaker then solves math problems, including 37 times 691, 37 squared, and 691 squared, engaging the audience in the process.
