Math in Real Life
“When am I ever going to use this?” Math in Real Life explores the deeper mathematical ideas behind the things humans experience every day. From patterns and probability to geometry, logic, scale, and data, these articles connect math concepts to the real world in ways that feel relevant and human.
You may never personally use every formula or calculation in your daily life — but someone does. The systems we rely on, the technology we use, the buildings we enter, the games we play, and the decisions we make are all shaped by mathematics. Understanding the math behind the world helps us better understand the world itself. Knowledge is power, and math is one of the tools humans use to make sense of what we see, build, and experience.
This week’s MIRL looks at some of the challenges in making a flat map from our spherical world.
Have you ever noticed that the hardest part of blowing up a balloon is at the beginning? There’s some math and science behind that!
How can math help make our world more vibrant? This week’s MIRL focuses on some of the math of colors!
With the Stanley Cup finals continuing on Tuesday, this week's MIRL looks at some of the angles in hockey.
Ever been on a hot streak… until you weren’t? What does math have to say about our probabilistic intuitions?
SUMM wishes you a colorful (but conflict-free) Thanksgiving! How can math help create conflict-free seating arrangements?
This looks like an MIRL. I can tell from some of the pixels and from seeing quite a few MIRLs in my time. Click to learn how math is used to make big files small 📁
They say 'numbers don't lie,' but people can certainly use them to craft some whoppers or false impressions! This week's MIRL: When graphing goes wrong.
The mathematics of gerrymandering are certainly sociological, but it ain't gobbledygook! How can math detect malpractice in electoral districting? Click to read more ✍️👀
This week's MIRL is positively radiant! Click to learn how math can geometry help us understand physical laws 🏕️🔥
Orange you glad this week's MIRL is on Henna? Click to learn about the line between body art and body math!
When playing a game, how do you know that the moves you make are the best? Click to learn how math can help find a winning strategy 🎲
If you rip your favorite pants, do they become your favorite shirt? Click to learn how topology can help pin down what we mean by 'hole' 🕳️
If you're having trouble focusing, you might need a little math in your life! 👁️ Click to learn how mathematics is used to correct eyesight 👓
If you ever find yourself getting bent out of shape, maybe it's because you're attractive! Click to learn what math has to say about the shapes of molecules 🤔
Hey, lemme get them digits... I just need them for a little FRAUD DETECTION. 🚨 Click to learn how math helps to decide whether data sets have been altered! 🤔
Are viable quantum computers on the horizon? We Shor hope so! Click to learn how mathematicians help speed up computers 🖥️
How does math help to predict the shape of proteins, and how can you help contribute to protein research with a free video game? Click to find out!
How can you assign a number to the steepness of a road? Click to learn how math can help us make big hills safer! 🚚⛰️
If you’ve ever tried meticulously tearing an orange peel off as a single piece, this week's MIRL looks at one of the shapes you might end up with!