Maths, magic and mystery

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Maths, magic and mystery Chris Budd
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A couple of mysterious facts
Maths is a highly creative subject full of
mystery and surprises
Most people dont realise this!
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Maths is the study of abstract objects and the
patterns that link them together
Links are called theorems They are often
deeply amazing, mysterious,beautiful and very,
very useful!
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Some amazing theorems
c
b
Pythagoras
a
Gregory
Euler
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Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates their
mystery and beauty
Some people are even scared of maths!
But most people like magic, art and
storytelling!
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By linking maths to magic, art and storytelling
we can unlock some of its mysteries
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Maths and magic

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Maths in Celtic and African Art
Celtic
African
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Book of Kells
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How to draw simple Celtic Knots
Start with a grid
(5 , 4) grid
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(5,6)
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(4,8)
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How many pieces of string are needed?
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More advanced Celtic Knots are also based on a
grid and a set of simple rules
or
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Grid
Edge
Corner Patterns
Corner
A
B
C
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First example
A
B
(A B)
Notation
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Get the Trefoil Knot .. Also called the
overhand knot
Two trefoils one reef knot
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Second example
A
A
B
B
(B A A B)
Notation
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Get the Carrick Bend
This is the simplest example of a Josephine Knot
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or even
A
A
B
Symmetry makes the best knots
B
B
C
A
A
B
Four reflexions One rotation
Notation
(A B A) (B C B) (A B A)
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producing the knot
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Simple Celtic Knots are very similar to plaited
mat sona drawings
Sona African sand patterns
(3,4)
(2,4)
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We can also produce more advanced African sona
Chased Chicken design
Lions Stomach design
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These are used to tell stories
J
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