When the absurd of the absurd is real.
In fact, i√i = eπ/2 = 4.81…
Original Math Notations
This is a set of symbols developed for prime powers by the Italian mathematician Francesco Ghaligai in 1521. These were used where today we would use a named variable and a power.
Geometry & Electronics
Geometric shapes are not limited only to the figurative aspect, they can also play active roles, for instance, serving in microelectronics to build operational printed circuits such as: small inductors (magnified, fig. a below), resistors (fig. b) and capacitors (fig. c). (image taken from my book “Almanach du Mathématicien en Herbe“)
Paradoxical Elastic Squares
A math-magic article I wrote for the German magazine Zeit Wissen: with the 13 triangular and square pieces (fig. 1) it is possible to form two large squares shown in fig. 2. Though the second large square has an extra piece the dimensions of the squares seem to be the same! Can you explain why this is possible?
This puzzle is available as greeting cards from my online store.
Parasitic Number
Useless, yet intriguing arithmetical fact… Multiplying this large number by 2, the rightmost digit 2 seems to pop to the front.
Such numbers are called “parasitic numbers“, read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitic_number
Ghost Colors
This is one of my earliest color optical illusions. There is no yellow or green in the diamond shapes, just vertical black lines! (If you don’t believe it, use a eyedropper tool to check it.)
Right Triangle with Rational Sides
The simplest right triangle with rational sides (the longest side has a denominator of 45 digits!) and area 157, was found by Don Zagier in 1993.
Illusive Color Radial Beams
Here is another geometrical Op Art of my creation: “Deep Blue” (2001). The yellowish scintillating rays you see in this picture are a construct of your brain. This work is available as prints from Saatchi Art gallery.
Brahmagupta’s Theorem
If a cyclic quadrilateral ( = with vertices lying on a common circle) has diagonals which are perpendicular, then the perpendicular to a side from the point of intersection of the diagonals will bisect the opposite side (AF = FD).
Amazing Roman Rock-crystal Icosahedron Die
Here is an intriguing Roman crystal 20-sided die (icosahedron), used in fortune-telling, ca. 1st century AD.
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