Duration: 53:48

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Math-whiz Jordan Ellenberg believes that math is not confined to abstract incidents that never occur in real life, but rather touches everything we do; the whole world is shot through with it. He argues that math allows us to see the hidden structures underneath the messy and chaotic surface of our world. It is a science of not being wrong, hammered out by centuries of hard work and argument. Armed with the tools of mathematics, we can see through to the true meaning of information we take for granted: How early should you get to the airport? What does "public opinion" really represent? Why do tall parents have shorter children? Who really won Florida in 2000? And how likely are you, really, to develop cancer? Ellenberg pulls from history as well as from the latest theoretical developments to provide those not trained in math with the knowledge they need. Math, as Ellenberg says, is "an atomic-powered prosthesis that you attach to your common sense, vastly multiplying its reach and strength." With the tools of mathematics in hand, you can understand the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.