Can Math Answer Absurd Questions?

By
NPR/TED Staff
TED Radio Hour | Mar 6, 2015

Part 1 of the TED Radio Hour episode Solve For X

About Randall Munroe's TED Talk

When Randall Munroe volunteered to teach physics to high schoolers, his textbook approach to teaching the subject fell flat. Then he realized a way to get the kids excited about math -- Star Wars.

About Randall Munroe

Comic book author Randall Munroe answers far-out questions, such as 'How much force did Yoda need to lift the X-Wing out of the swamp on Dagoba?' He uses math and physics to answer these queries and turns his findings into comics on his blogs What If? and xkcd.

Copyright 2015 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
Profile Image
NPR/TED Staff

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Throngs of Knicks fans surge into Lower Manhattan to witness historic parade

The Knicks, NBA champions for the first time since 1973, rolled up Broadway in their first-ever ticker-tape parade.
Gothamist |

How an alleged NYC real estate scammer stayed in business despite years of complaints

Renters accuse a self-described real estate adviser of stealing their money. Getting it back has proved difficult.
Gothamist |

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods and What Are They Doing to Us?

Kevin Hall discusses his groundbreaking research tracking how bodies respond to ultra-processed foods.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

How to be a Good New York City Tour Guide

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE