Adding it up
by Rodney Magazinovic
Calculating the square of five digit numbers, such as 36,487, is
beyond most calculators, yet Professor Art Benjamin can work it out in
his head. He recently demonstrated why he is a world leader in rapid
mental calculation at a public lecture organised by UniSA’s Division of
Information Technology Engineering and the Environment.
Based at the high profile Harvey Mudd College in the USA, Prof Benjamin's visit is part of a collaborative agreement between the mathematics schools of the two universities that has seen many student and faculty exchanges take place over the last few years.
For Prof Benjamin teaching mathematics is about debunking myths and
making mathematics more appealing and enjoyable.
“I think the biggest myth is that an aptitude for mathematics is
something you are either born with or not. I believe for the most part,
mathematics is a matter of practice,” he said.
“I like to show that mathematics can actually be a great deal of fun. Even something as simple as arithmetic can be taught in creative ways that make the subject more enjoyable than it has been when approached traditionally.”
It's his unique way of combining mathematics and his other passion, magic, that makes his presentations, dubbed “mathemagics”, so successful. By demonstrating and then explaining the secrets of rapid mental calculation he has people mesmerised.
“My mission in life is to bring mathematics to the masses. If I can inspire other students and teachers to have more fun with the subject and not to take it quite so seriously then I will feel successful.”
And by the way ... the square of 36,487 is 1,331,301,169. Prof Benjamin could have told you that in less than a fraction of the time it took you to read this article.