logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2013
31m 59s

Numbers!

American Public Media
About this episode
The questions we have about numbers are uncountable. But here are a few of them: Where does zero come from? How is there more than one kind of infinity? What is it like to do math when numbers have different colors — and personalities? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
Up next
Jul 28
How do walkie talkies work?
Walkie talkies are cool tech with a cool name. In today's episode we find out how can one little box let you talk to somebody miles away. Even though we have cell phones that can connect to places around the world, walkie talkies are still quite useful. You can also test your wal ... Show More
29m 49s
Jul 21
Hoax Hunters take on the Fresno Nightcrawler
Marc and Sanden are back as the Hoax Hunters! This time they look at the case of the Fresno Nightcrawler. In 2007 a man’s security camera recorded something strange outside his house. It looked like sweatpants out for a walk by themselves, with no humans around. Creepy? Kind of. ... Show More
29m 53s
Jul 14
Why are brains so squishy?
Our brains are amazing machines, but they are also very delicate. We have to wear helmets when we bike, skate, or do other activities where we might bang our skulls. Why is the brain so sensitive? Turns out, it’s a soft blob a lot like tofu, but that softness lets it do some pret ... Show More
34 m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2022
Uncountable nouns
Can you count knowledge, money or happiness? How to deal with uncountable nouns. 
6m 21s
Mar 2021
Uncountable nouns
Can you count knowledge, money or happiness? How to deal with uncountable nouns. 
6m 21s
Jan 2020
What is infinity?
<p>Is there something bigger than infinity? Does quantum mechanics affect how I think? And why can I suddenly do algebra? As ever, we’re not afraid to tackle the big questions on CrowdScience. After a previous episode about the relationship between mathematics and reality, we rec ... Show More
33m 45s
Jun 2020
Large numbers
How many stars are there in the universe? Learn how to say big numbers in English. 
6m 11s
Feb 2024
Large numbers
How many stars are there in the universe? Learn how to say big numbers in English. 
6m 14s
Dec 2022
Large numbers
How many stars are there in the universe? Learn how to say big numbers in English. 
6m 19s
Aug 2021
Large numbers
How many stars are there in the universe? Learn how to say big numbers in English. 
6m 11s
Dec 2023
Numbers
<p>First aired back in 2009, this episode is all about one thing, or rather a collection of things. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, chances are you rely on numbers every day of your life. Where do they come from, and what do they really do for us? This hour: stories of how numb ... Show More
59m 59s
Aug 2015
253 TMD What Are Imaginary Numbers?
Have you ever heard of imaginary numbers? Have you always thought they must be some kind of made-up numbers that don't have anything to do with reality? Well think again! Keep on listening to learn where imaginary numbers come from. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1X ... Show More
9m 14s
Jul 2022
From the Vault: The Origins of Numeracy
What are numbers and where does our number sense come from? Is numeracy an innate part of our biology, or is it a cultural invention? In this classic episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe explore the origins of numbers. (originally published 6/15/2021)See omnystudio. ... Show More
54 m