Mathematical magic and society

Abstract

Most people envisage mathematics only as a necessary tool for science and technology. A tool rather abstruse, composed largely of equations and complex definitions. While it is true that maths provides the language for science, and that its development has been motivated by problems in areas such as physics, chemistry or biology, it is also true that many practitioners have focused since ancient times on its recreational side. Surprisingly, this side of maths tends to be forgotten by both the general audience and not so few mathematicians. There is nowadays little doubt, however, that one of the most attractive approaches to create interest in mathematics is by means of magic. In fact, the first manuscript describing a card magic trick, De Viribus Quantitatis, was written by the mathematician Luca Pacioli some 500 years ago. Likewise, the first printed book containing such a description was written by Girolamo Cardano, another mathematician. The fruitful relationship between magic and mathematics continues in our own time, with Martin Gardners Mathematics, Magic and Mystery being an excellent example. This book has served as inspiration to many others relating the two subjects: art (magic) and science (mathematics). We place here such relationship in a historical perspective, going into detail about the transmission of knowledge by means of emotions and the creation of a magical atmosphere. After all, people keep wondering in magic how tricks are done. The interaction of mathematical magic and society can be evaluated by the interest of the media in the subject: newspapers, public conferences and performances or TV shows. We have just begun to collaborate with one of such shows in Spain, where we talk about topics such as prime numbers, knot theory, sudoku, topology, number systems, mind games, Rubiks cube, calendars or quick calculations. Our goal is to transmit mathematical ideas and link them with math-based magic tricks. Keeping in mind that these performances do not take place in an academic environment, we focus our attention on providing small pieces of mathematical ideas for the general audience. This talk will present some of the tricks I do in the shows, in the same way they are performed for non-mathematical audiences. The underlying ideas will be discussed afterwards. I will also comment on people's reactions to these tricks when they are played in Civic Centers, Science Museums, University Classrooms and other stages. Mathematical magic should allow us to present many interesting concepts in a friendly and entertaining way. © Springer-Verlag Italia, Milano 2009.