Overview
Explore the art of mental math and estimation in this engaging 52-minute talk by bestselling author Rob Eastaway at The Royal Institution. Learn practical techniques for quick calculations, understand the risks of over-reliance on calculators, and discover how to make accurate estimations for everyday scenarios. Delve into amusing anecdotes, tackle arithmetic challenges, and gain valuable insights on topics ranging from metric conversions to probability. Enhance your mathematical intuition and problem-solving skills without the need for a calculator, as Eastaway demonstrates the power of back-of-the-envelope calculations and mental math tricks.
Syllabus
Intro
Why do buses come in 3
Maths on the back of an envelope
Survey results
Myths about calculators
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheet Errors
Spurious Accuracy
Risks of Calculators
The Pocket Calculator
Using the Slide Rule
Medical Mistakes
Survey
Weight Loss
Hollys Answer
Example Question
Metric Conversions
Celsius to Fahrenheit
Doubleing
Mind games
Ask the audience
How far
Which ocean
Why do people vote for the Pacific
Somerset Levels Flood
A Million Cubic Meters
A Million Square Feet
What are the Chances
Envelope Style
Kevin Houston
Taught by
The Royal Institution