Maths Inspiration Show – Quadratic Equations

Last half-term, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Maths Inspiration virtual show ‘What’s the point in Quadratic Equations?’

Hosted by maths legend Matt Parker, this interactive show explored the surprising ways in which quadratic equations crop up in the real world, from falling objects to probability. Other guests included Aoife Hunt, Hugh Hunt and Rob Eastaway.

In my section I talked through the infamous GCSE maths exam questions ‘Hannah’s Sweets’. This question went viral in 2015 because thousands of students went onto social media to complain about difficult and unrealistic it was. 

I had a lot of fun going through the solution to the question and then, handed over to Rob Eastaway, who demonstrated a game that explained how probability and quadratic equations are connected. 

Maths Inspiration is a national programme of interactive maths lecture shows for teenagers. They give 14-17 year olds a chance to experience the UK’s most inspiring maths speakers presenting mathematics live in the context of exciting, real-world applications. 

Maths Inspiration events usually take place in theatres but due to Covid-19 restrictions live ‘shows’ will be online until theatres re-open.

The next virtual show is:

CRACKING THE CODES – MATHS & CYBER-SECURITY
Years 10 and 11
24 March 2021 (2pm to 2:40pm)

For more information about upcoming shows look here.