math - Viral Viral Videos

The Order Of Operations Is Wrong, Or At Least Ambiguous

May 192013

Most web users have received at least one chain email or Facebook posting which contained a simple looking arithmetic problem that seemed to always produce two very different answers. Eventually, the comment section becomes a screaming match over how to properly execute the order of operations.

But, according to Minute Physics, the order of operations is wrong, or at least ambiguous. Even when properly following the Order, problems such as 8-2+1 or 6/3/3 leave the solver with multiple answers.

He explains that the order of operations isn’t wrong, per say, just that it’s an inefficient form of problem solving.

Share URL:
http://www.viralviralvideos.com/2013/05/19/the-order-of-operations-is-wrong-or-at-least-ambiguous/

5 Reasons We Like 5 Reasons Videos

Apr 082013

There’s no question that lists are extremely popular online. Yahoo originally got their foot in the door peddling their lists. Now, it seems they have been dethroned for list-obsessed BuzzFeed. On YouTube, countless variations of ’5 reasons we XYZ’ have become extremely popular.

For her list video, math focused stop motion animator and doodler Vihart stayed true to her mathematical roots, going full meta by explaining 5 Reasons We Like 5 Reasons Videos.

Mind blown.

Share URL:
http://www.viralviralvideos.com/2013/04/08/5-reasons-we-like-5-reasons-videos/

How To Cheat ‘Solve’ A Rubik’s Cube

Jan 042013

Since its debut in the 1980′s, the Rubik’s Cube has been an unofficial test of mathematical and logical genius. To this day, most people can’t solve one, and are quickly impressed when they find someone who actually can.

Enter super math nerd Matt Parker with Stand Up Maths. He’s a kind of math performer of sorts. He shows that if you starts with a solved cube and simply repeat the same few moves over and over, you will eventually get back to a solved state. Essentially, that’s how to cheat and look like you actually solved a Cube.

So just start one and solve the Cube in front of your friends. They’ll be blown away.

Share URL:
http://www.viralviralvideos.com/2013/01/04/how-to-cheat-solve-a-rubiks-cube/

How Predictable Are You Interactive Game

Nov 142012

Math nerd Richard Wiseman at Quirkology just published this ‘How Predictable Are You?‘ interactive video, and it is quickly starting to trend.

With the screen covered with nine tiles, Richards claims he can predict which point you will have chosen if you follow his instructions. And he’s right every time!

Counter to what many people believe, the trick is not psychology, but rather simple math based on odd or even.

Share URL:
http://www.viralviralvideos.com/2012/11/14/how-predictable-are-you-interactive-game/

Curta Mechanical Pocket Calculator Explained

Oct 082012

Today, we take digital consumer electronics so for granted we often forget that just two generations something as simple as a calculator was a marvel of engineering and technology.

Actually, before electricity, mechanical calculator machines had been around for centuries. But only Curt Herzstark was able to successfully make a fully operational, portable mechanical calculator, which was named the Curta.

Alex Bellos of number obsessed Numberphile showcases the amazing piece of engineering in this video that has amassed over 50,000 views since the weekend.