The Mathemagician

Have you heard of Arthur T. Benjamin? If not, you are in for a real treat. Arthur T. Benjamin is a mathemagician. He performs impossible feats of mental math. He has a Bachelor of Science with highest honors in Applied Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University in 1983, a Master of Science in Engineering in Mathematical Sciences in 1985 and a Doctor of Philosophy from Johns Hopkins University in 1989; his PhD dissertation was titled "Turnpike Structures for Optimal Maneuvers". During his freshman year at CMU he wrote the lyrics and created the magic effects for the musical comedy, Kije!, in collaboration with author Scott McGregor and composer Arthur Darrell Turner. This musical was the winner of an annual competition and was first performed as the CMU's Spring Musical in 1980. (credit: Wikipedia)

Here is a video of him at TED talks doing incredible mental math!

One cool math trick

An easy way to multiply by 11

11 X 42 = 462
This is obtained by
First digit of the number : 4
Adding the two digits: 4+2 :6
Last digit of the number: 2
So, the answer is 462 !!

Let's try another one.
11X48

Here, 4+8 = 12, its greater than 9, so add a carry to the first number

First Digit: 4
Last Digit of Adding the digits 8+4: 2 (carry 1)
Last digit: 8

So the answer(don't forget the carry)
528!

Try some at home with your school aged child over dinner today :)

MoMath

Museum of Math

When I make my next trip to NYC, this is one place I would like to take my 7-yr old to. MoMath - the Museum of Math. I am curious to see how abstract mathematical concepts can be presented in easily accessible, engaging displays. The museum is geared towards grades 4-8, but it would be equally engaging to grown ups (I mean, how many of us remember what tesselation is?). You can ride a square wheeled bike and ride a "coaster" on acorns. The sinks in th bathroom are pentagonal, and there is a huge symbol of Pi on the front door.

Admission is $15 for Adults, $9 for kids 2-12.
11 East 26th Street
New York, NY 10010
United States

Directions

Hours

10 AM - 5 PM, 7 days a week

On March 6th, the Museum will be open from 10 AM - 3 PM.

Phone

(212) 542-0566

Welcome, Parents!

Welcome to the Komodo Life! This blog will capture interesting resources and ideas for getting our kids excited about science, technology, engineering and math. From books, online resources to cool stuff to do at home, you will find this place to be quite happening. We want to create a community of parents who believe that STEM is cool :) We certainly believe it!