3 TV Shows for Math Geeks

Normally math and television are thought of like oil and water: they don't really mix well when thrown together. Even in science fiction, math is exaggerated or ignored altogether. (why were people able to stand on spaceships in Star Trek? The force of gravity shouldn't be that strong!)

However, as these three examples show, sometimes the two can mix for compelling entertainment for everyone!


Numb3rs



On a show about solving crimes, it may seem a little strange to see someone writing formulas on a chalkboard. However, it isn't done just for show. The show employed several mathematical consultants to help when writing the equations. While the show has received a little criticism for sometimes scrupulously connecting the math with the situation, the math on the show has been deemed accurate and valid by several mathematicians!

Big Bang Theory

 


In a show about four physicists, math inevitably makes an appearance. Often the mathematical references on the show become a part of the pop culture lexicon (Schrodinger's Cat, for example). It has even inspired a mathematical proof! On one episode of the show, Sheldon, the main character, said that his favorite number was 73. Why? 73 has a prime index is 21. This means that 73 is the 21st smallest prime number. Flipping around 21 results in 12. What number has a prime index of 12? 37, which is, of course, 73 flipped around. Dartmouth College professor and fan of the show Carl Pomerance was curious as to whether or not this was the only case in which this was possible, and wrote a proof on the subject. A section of the proof even appeared in the background of the episode titled "The Inspiration Deprivation!" The proof can be found here.

 
Futurama



Even though this show is animated and features a fair amount of science fiction elements, a lot of the math featured in the show is fairly accurate - several of the writers on the show had Ph.D's in math. One of them, Ken Keeler, wrote a proof that ended up tying into the show's plot! WARNING: The following will contain mild spoilers of "The Prisoner of Benda".
In the episode, Professor Farnsworth creates a machine that will allow two people to switch bodies. However, the machine won't allow two people to swap back if they have switched minds with each other already. Thus, when characters on the show want to try out the machine, they end up in entirely different bodies with no clear way to get them out. However, a few mathematicians are summoned by the professor, and eventually figure out a solution: if two additional people are added, there exists a way for people to return to their original bodies despite the limitations of the machine! This proof is allegedly the first time a television show has been used to prove something, and it makes for compelling TV! The proof can be found here.