11/06/26

‘Big Math’ shines a light on the hidden math that runs our world

Credit: Shutterstock

Math is the talk of the town in a way that it hasn’t been before, thanks to recent developments in AI. And some mathematicians, like Steven Strogatz, are using this moment as a reminder of the invisible ways that math is embedded in our daily lives. That’s the focus of his new book “Big Math: The Hidden Codes That Run Our World.” He wrote it with mathematician Alex Townsend.

Read an excerpt from “Big Math.”


Donate To Science Friday

Invest in quality science journalism by making a donation to Science Friday.

Donate

Segment Guests

Steven Strogatz

Dr. Steven Strogatz is a professor of mathematics at Cornell University.

Segment Transcript

The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.

Meet the Producers and Host

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.

About Dee Peterschmidt

Dee Peterschmidt is Science Friday’s audio production manager, hosted the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. Their D&D character is a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.

Explore More