Column

  1. Math

    College Friendships and Social Networks

    E-mail messages provide insights into the evolution of social networks.

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Math

    Team Mersenne

    The largest known prime number now runs to 9,152,052 decimal digits.

    By Ivars Peterson
  3. Math

    Light Bulb Puzzles

    Light bulbs and switches combine to present infinite perplexities.

    By Ivars Peterson
  4. Math

    A Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities

    Physical models of intriguing mathematical objects can add up to an enticing desktop display.

    By Ivars Peterson
  5. Computing

    The Risky Business of Spreadsheet Errors

    Faulty spreadsheets and poor software practices can put businesses at risk.

    By Ivars Peterson
  6. Math

    Parking Space Roulette

    What's the best strategy for finding a good parking spot quickly?

    By Ivars Peterson
  7. Math

    Rating Researchers

    A physicist has come up with a formula for characterizing a researcher's scientific output.

    By Ivars Peterson
  8. Math

    Problems to Sharpen the Young

    Medieval brainteasers have kept students and other people puzzled and entertained for centuries.

    By Ivars Peterson
  9. Math

    Ranking College Football Teams

    Network math leads to an alternative, simpler ranking scheme for college football.

    By Ivars Peterson
  10. Math

    Climbing a Watery Slope

    A water-walking insect can propel itself up steep, slippery slopes without moving its legs.

    By Ivars Peterson
  11. Math

    Ask-a-Friend Marketplaces

    If you ask enough friends, paying for answers to questions can help you get the answers you need from a social network.

    By Ivars Peterson
  12. Math

    Sliding Around

    Seemingly simple sliding-coin puzzles can be surpassingly tough.

    By Ivars Peterson