Skip to main content

NOVA: The Great Math Mystery DVD

$24.99 $17.99
Item #: WC0492
NOVA: The Great Math Mystery

NOVA leads viewers on a mathematical mystery tour - a provocative exploration of math's astonishing power across the centuries. We discover math's signature in the swirl of a nautilus shell, the whirlpool of a galaxy, and the spiral in the center of a sunflower. Math was essential to everything from the first wireless radio ... More
In Stock & Ready to Ship
Select Format:

Quantity:

NOVA: The Great Math Mystery

NOVA leads viewers on a mathematical mystery tour - a provocative exploration of math's astonishing power across the centuries. We discover math's signature in the swirl of a nautilus shell, the whirlpool of a galaxy, and the spiral in the center of a sunflower. Math was essential to everything from the first wireless radio transmissions to the successful landing of rovers on Mars.

But where does math get its power? Astrophysicist and writer Mario Livio, along with a colorful cast of mathematicians, physicists, and engineers, follow math from Pythagoras to Einstein and beyond, all leading to the ultimate riddle: Is math an invention or a discovery? Humankind's clever trick, or the language of the universe? Whether we think we're good with numbers or not, we all use math in our daily lives. The Great Math Mystery sheds fascinating light on how math works in our brains and ponders the ultimate mystery of why it works so well when decoding the universe.

Producer: Dan Mccabe, Richard Reisz
Executive Producer: Chris Schmidt, Paula S. Apsell
Production Company: WGBH
Production Year: 2015
Copyright Year: 2015
Director: Dan McCabe, Richard Reisz
Narrator: Jay O. Sanders
Writers: Dan McCabe
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

14 Reviews
B
Bill
Anonymous User
3.0 star rating
02/12/21
Nothing I didntknow.
Review by Bill on 02/12/21 review stating Nothing I didntknow.
I wouldnt say it was not good, but I dont think many people would be impressed.
S
Seamus
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
02/12/21
Masterful programming !
Review by Seamus on 02/12/21 review stating Masterful programming !
One of the best programs I have ever seen on TV !! I am 75 years old, and Ive seen a lot of television . . .
D
Dave
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
02/12/21
A mind boggling experience
Review by Dave on 02/12/21 review stating A mind boggling experience
After watching this very provocative story about mathematics I still am not sure about the answer to the original question. Is Mathamatics an invention or is it a discovery? Was it with us all the time just like gold and somebody found it and started to use it. Or, because there was a need for making calculations somebody, or a group of persons invented this way to make life easier. Maybe is was here all the time because one apple and two apples has always made a total of three apples.
P
Pbs F.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
02/12/21
The Great Math Mystery truly is!
Review by Pbs F. on 02/12/21 review stating The Great Math Mystery truly is!
Absolutely fascinating. Should be shown to all middle school students to show them how Math forms our world.
M
Math G.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
02/12/21
Well done...
Review by Math G. on 02/12/21 review stating Well done...
Having had an interest on the topic of mathematics, I found this program to be well written and presented in such a manner that anyone can grasp the concepts covered. If you are contemplating on buying this DVD, by all means do not hesitate.
C
Consumer
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
01/14/21
Makes Math A Bit More Appreciable and Approachable
Review by Consumer on 01/14/21 review stating Makes Math A Bit More Appreciable and Approachable
As someone who was overwhelmed by math at an early age and never recovered, I watched this with a renewed appreciation of the fundamentals of mathematics. Theres something about knowing the history of how things developed into a discipline that makes the mystification of math a bit more palatable.
R
Ronnie
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
01/14/21
NOVA The Great Math Mystery DVD
Review by Ronnie on 01/14/21 review stating NOVA The Great Math Mystery DVD
Watching this DVD was easy at first saying Well that makes sense. A bit later I backed a bit and tried to get the meaning ...I did then I had to think harder and it was a challenge. And including the Great Men of Math was very entertaining.
E
Et
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
01/14/21
Mind-stretching
Review by Et on 01/14/21 review stating Mind-stretching
A thought-provoking piece. Great introduction for students... and adults with young minds!
A
Alfredo
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
01/14/21
msthematics is key to knowledge
Review by Alfredo on 01/14/21 review stating msthematics is key to knowledge
it is fascinating. All should see this, expecially young ones, because we need more scientists and engineers and a better knowledge and love of mathematics
S
Susie Q.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
01/14/21
Mind expNding
Review by Susie Q. on 01/14/21 review stating Mind expNding
This is a DVDs to watch more than once. It is narrated by an excellent scholar who opens ones mind to to a universe (ours!) constructed on mathematical principled in toto. I after watching alone I invited four very intelligent friends who were as amazed as I was.
P
Prince
Anonymous User
4.0 star rating
11/15/20
The Great Math Mystery DVD by PBS
Review by Prince on 11/15/20 review stating The Great Math Mystery DVD by PBS
that is great one to learn i will like it
E
Ec
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
The Great Math Mystery
Review by Ec on 07/17/20 review stating The Great Math Mystery
Is this (The Great Math Mystery) available in a book form?
M
Marty
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
MATH: man discovers cosmic formulation
Review by Marty on 07/17/20 review stating MATH: man discovers cosmic formulation
Math reveals the complex inter-relationships of multiple variables determining structure and function in a perpetually changing universe. It is a human invention of the language of the cosmos.
G
Golden S.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Absolutely great!
Review by Golden S. on 07/17/20 review stating Absolutely great!
Magical math all around us.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


G
Golden S. reviewed NOVA: The Great Math Mystery DVD
5 star rating
Absolutely great!
Review by Golden S. review stating Absolutely great!
Magical math all around us.
M
Marty reviewed NOVA: The Great Math Mystery DVD
5 star rating
MATH: man discovers cosmic formulation
Review by Marty review stating MATH: man discovers cosmic formulation
Math reveals the complex inter-relationships of multiple variables determining structure and function in a perpetually changing universe. It is a human invention of the language of the cosmos.
E
Ec reviewed NOVA: The Great Math Mystery DVD
5 star rating
The Great Math Mystery
Review by Ec review stating The Great Math Mystery
Is this (The Great Math Mystery) available in a book form?

Virtual Catalog