Experience the Astonishment of Mathematical Magic

Imagine this: Arrange a regular deck of cards so that the colors alternate between red and black. Have someone cut the deck as many times as they wish, then deal a stack of cards that roughly divides the deck in half. Invite a participant to shuffle the two stacks together. When you deal the cards in pairs, your audience will be amazed to find that each pair consists of one red card and one black card. How is this possible?

Nothing captivates an audience quite like a well-executed magic trick. The true beauty lies in the simplicity of the illusion, known only to the magician. After engaging with Math and Magic, you’ll discover that this trick, along with many others, is based on the fascinating Gilbreath’s principle—a concept named after an amateur magician and mathematician. This course, featuring 12 enlightening half-hour lessons by the acclaimed Professor of Mathematics Arthur T. Benjamin from Harvey Mudd College, reveals the wonders of magic intertwined with mathematics.

Professor Benjamin, recognized in TED Talks and The Colbert Report, is celebrated as a “mathemagician.” He shares the secrets behind numerous math-based tricks, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with numbers can perform like a prodigy after mastering these engaging routines, which only require basic algebra and a touch of flair.

Master the Essentials of Magical Arts

While magicians traditionally keep their secrets, understanding the mathematical principles behind their tricks opens up a world of intrigue and offers significant advantages, including:

• Tricks become easier to remember when you grasp their underlying mechanics.
• Understanding the “why” behind a trick paves the way for new effects and creative variations.
• Mathematical magic enhances problem-solving abilities, including rapid mental calculations.
• Engaging with magic can inspire a love for mathematics in young minds, as it has for many professional mathematicians.

In Math and Magic, Professor Benjamin introduces you to the world of magic using tools like playing cards, numbers, and geometric shapes. Each lesson begins with a demonstration, followed by an explanation of the mathematical concepts that make the trick possible. You will learn essential techniques, such as:

• Parity Principle: Inspired by magician Bob Hummer, this principle involves treating cards in pairs through a systematic approach. Despite appearing mixed, an underlying order is maintained, leading to astonishing revelations for spectators.
• Faro Shuffle: Originally devised to gain an edge in the 19th-century card game faro, this technique, known as the perfect shuffle, interlaces cards from two equal halves of a deck. A series of these shuffles can position the top card anywhere, creating a magical experience.
• Lightning Calculations: Dr. Benjamin is renowned for his rapid mental calculations, often outpacing calculators. He shares simple shortcuts, including an easy method for calculating cube roots that will impress your audience.
• Magic Squares: These intriguing grids of numbers, where each row, column, and diagonal sums to the same total, have captivated minds for centuries. You can wow your audience by constructing a magic square based on any number or even a birthday.

Impress Your Friends and Family

Throughout the course, Professor Benjamin equips you with the skills to amaze your friends, family, and even yourself. In one delightful lesson, he demonstrates how to cut a bagel into two interlocking halves—a two-twist version of a Möbius strip. This fascinating shape not only looks impressive but also offers a greater surface area for cream cheese!

Magic has enchanted humanity for centuries. In the past, even simple card tricks could lead to accusations of witchcraft, resulting in dire consequences. Fortunately, with Math and Magic, your only challenge will be to tear yourself away from these captivating lessons.