Math in Real Life

Math in… Holiday Seating
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Holiday Seating

SUMM wishes you a colorful (but conflict-free) Thanksgiving! How can math help create conflict-free seating arrangements? Click to find out 👀🦃

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Math in… Ranked Choice Voting
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Ranked Choice Voting

Seattle's general election was held last Tuesday! There weren't any races with more than two candidates, so most decisions probably weren't too tough. Ranked choice voting is coming in 2027 to help you make easier decisions in crowded primaries.

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Math in… Data Compression
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Data Compression

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 📁

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Math in… Misleading Graphs
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Misleading Graphs

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.

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Math in… Gerrymandering
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Gerrymandering

The mathematics of gerrymandering are certainly sociological, but it ain't gobbledygook! How can math detect malpractice in electoral districting? Click to read more ✍️👀

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Math in… Campfires
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Campfires

This week's MIRL is positively radiant! Click to learn how math can geometry help us understand physical laws 🏕️🔥

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Math in… Henna
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Henna

Orange you glad this week's MIRL is on Henna? Click to learn about the line between body art and body math!

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Math in… Solved Games
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Solved Games

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 🎲

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Math in… Clothing Holes
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Clothing Holes

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' 🕳️

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Math in… Eyesight and Refraction
Creative Department Creative Department

Math in… Eyesight and Refraction

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 👓

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Math in… Molecules
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Molecules

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 🤔


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Math in… Leaving a Tip
Nick Rauh Nick Rauh

Math in… Leaving a Tip

Tip like a pro with these pro-tip pro tips 💸 Swipe ➡️ to learn how algebra tricks can help with mental math!


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Math in… Fraud Detection
Creative Department Creative Department

Math in… Fraud Detection

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! 🤔

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Math in… Credit Card Interest
Creative Department Creative Department

Math in… Credit Card Interest

You will undoubtedly find this week's MIRL to be... of interest. Click to learn how math is used to set mortgage payments! 🏠

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Math in… the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
Creative Department Creative Department

Math in… the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

The Oscars are this weekend!  Who's your pick for Best Actor?  Adrien Brody is looking pretty well-connected… ⭐ Click to learn what math has to do with Kevin Bacon🎬

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Math in… Protein Folding
Creative Department Creative Department

Math in… Protein Folding

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!

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