The Math Club
The Math Club
Pete and Noah
Join hosts Peter Littig and Noah King as they discuss and explain mathematical topics with their own unique style. Full of information that will interest and entertain math lovers as well as those who maybe don’t love it quite that much… yet. Mathematical concepts, history, paradoxes, and puzzles await you, along with a generous helping of witty banter and fun. Calling all members…. The Math Club is open! Email - mathclubpodcast@gmail.com Twitter - @mathclubpodcast
Q.E.D.: The Proving of Fermat's Last Theorem
It’s finally here!  Part Three of the Fermat Trilogy!  In this exciting conclusion, Pete and Noah talk about the mathematicians who ultimately proved (or thought they’d proven) Fermat’s Last Theorem.  Join us for the final chapter of this riveting 350 year journey! The Proof - Nova Documentary on Andrew Wiles's proof Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
Jun 26
50 min
Sophie's Chase: More History of Fermat's Last Theorem
Join us for part two of our deep dive into the history of Fermat's Last Theorem.  In this episode, Pete and Noah focus on the fascinating story of Sophie Germain, a 19th century French mathematician who pursued a proof in the face of overwhelming obstacles.  Come learn about this impressive chapter in the saga of one of the most interesting problems in mathematical history. Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
May 7
42 min
Non-trivial Pursuit:  The History of Fermat's Last Theorem
A few episodes back, our hosts talked about the great unsolved mathematical problems of our time, and Pete teased an interesting story about one such problem that was finally solved not too long ago.  In this first of a two-part episode, we dive into the fascinating  story of Fermat's Last Theorem...   from its inception, to Fermat's bold claim that he had a proof that he couldn't share, to the mathematical greats of yesteryear who took up the challenge to prove it.  Join us for a look into this intriguing conjecture, and its amazing history. Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
Apr 9
36 min
The Rules They Are A-Changin'
In this episode, Pete and Noah are joined by Andy Looney, the creator of the card game Fluxx, to talk about Math Fluxx and his history designing games.  Whether you’re a math person who loves a good game or a game person who loves to do math, we’re sure you’ll find Andy and his story to be interestingly enjoyable.  Game on!   Looney Labs Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
Mar 5
44 min
A Wrinkle in Spacetime: A Mathematical Discussion about Spacetime
If you've ever seen a science fiction movie or TV show, then you've heard of the spacetime continuum.  But what is it, and is there math that describes it?  In this episode, Pete and Noah dive into the facts about spacetime, and its fascinating mathematical history. Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email  
Feb 12
38 min
I Have a Little Bias: The Mathematics of Dreidel
It’s the holiday season, and Pete and Noah are getting into the festive spirit by looking at the math behind a favorite Hannukah game.  Join our hosts as they delve into the probabilities of the dreidel and uncover a counterintuitive truth about its fairness.  Whatever traditions you and your family look forward to at this time of year, we promise a lively and interesting time as we take this topic for a spin.  Seasons Greetings! • Robert Feinerman's paper, An Ancient Unfair Game Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
Dec 18, 2024
49 min
Video Bonus:  Finding Primo
In our last episode, finding Primo, Pete explained a couple of tests that mathematicians use when trying to decide if very large numbers are prime. We thought it might be helpful to see the math written down, so we put together this video bonus. Finding Primo - full episode  
Nov 22, 2024
6 min
Finding Primo:  The Search for Very Large Primes
Have you heard the big news?  There’s a new largest known prime number, and Noah wants to know how it was discovered.  In this episode, Pete explains the various tests used to determine the primality of insanely large numbers, and there’s even a prime challenge for you to sink your teeth into. Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
Nov 20, 2024
46 min
Talkin' 'bout My Generation:  A Deep Dive into The Math Club
Are you ready to revisit the best of The Math Club?  Pete and Noah share a trip down memory lane with a pair of special guests.  But as they dive deeper into their past episodes, a nagging feeling grows harder to ignore..  Who are these mysterious guests, and what strange secret are they hiding from our hosts? Episodes we reference in our conversation: Tales from Decrypt Positive Thinking Discovery vs. Invention MathGPT Try out NotebookLM Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email  
Nov 6, 2024
26 min
Elective Procedures:  The Mathematics of Voting Systems
The memory of a restaurant-choosing game from grad school inspires Pete and Noah to look at different voting systems, and the math behind how they work to select a winning candidate. From standard majority rules to ranked choice to plurality with elimination, join our hosts for a lively (and timely) conversation about how our voting system can be just as important as our vote. Leave us a voice message Find us on Twitter Send us an email
Oct 23, 2024
43 min
Load more