Dr Strange and multidimensional mental structures

Mindmaps and mental palaces are essentially two-dimensional structures. This allows for simple navigation: linear and lateral itineraries.  99% of the time this is more than enough. Articles are fixed: once we place an article in a mental structure it is not likely to move. Projects are hierarchical. We can move up and down the hierarchy …

Logical markers: the most intuitive and misunderstood memory construct

Logical markers do not require special learning, as we already learned them in schools for more than a decade.  If you are not using them to remember things, it is a psychological barrier. Once you try, they will feel more natural and intuitive than any other memory construct. My favorite logical marker There is only …

Systematic creativity: sections and subjects of speedwriting and research masterclasses

Sometimes I struggle with naming what I do. Speedwriting and research masterclasses are examples of my bad branding, and I hope to rebrand them in near future. While I might be unhappy with the course names, I am definitely excited about their content. So I tell you what. I will describe the content of the …

Binary numbers and chessboards

The decimal numbers and metric system are not the only possible representation of measures. With computers today, we use mainly a binary representation of numbers. Hence it makes sense to have specific binary-friendly visualizations and memorizations. Bits and bytes Logical zeros and ones are usually not very interesting – except for the formal logic. Computers …

Research and creativity: bursting the filtering bubble and creating logical markers

The subjects of research and creativity are huge. I will describe some of the relevant steps below. However, there are two questions I always get from my friends and students: how to know whom to believe and how to express complex ideas as mathematical formulas. There is also a complementary question of defining the subject …

A Quant Finance Qualification Will Help You With Your Job Hunt And Investment Portfolio

If you know a bit math and some investment theory you can make money. This can be a very competitive opportunity, and if you are good you will make more money and a fancy career. This guest post by Laura Jimenez is a bit strange. It was written long before it was submitted to me, …

Math: organization and frustration

Sometimes the learning skills have nothing to do with memory or speedreading. They can involve creativity and analytical skills, but this is not the point here. The point is simple: without proper organization, you will not progress! This is especially true for math. Read alternative math teaching ideas here and here. How to learn basic …

Eleven twelve and counting systems

Our math is strongly linked with our fingers. If we ever meet another civilization, even on this earth, the numbers will probably be different.  How come? This discussion is an exercise in basic mathematical and historic intuition. Very few people see math the way I present it here. How do you count fingers? We have …

Ramanujan, math intuition and the voice of the goddess

Narasimhaswamy temple, Namakkal

Intuition takes many forms, but what is it exactly? Why do genius scientists talk about mysterious forces? Do we really need the supernatural or there are more plausible explanations? Can we train it? The story of the goddess Ramanujan was one of the greatest mathematicians of the 20th century. He wrote down several astonishing results …

Five Fun Math Activities For Kids

Math dice

Many adults do not like math. Others absolutely love it. Possibly because we had great teachers when we were young. Children do not learn like adults.  They play. Even when learning math. In this guest article Cristin Howard explain how to teach kids math. Some of it reminded me of the third season of the …