On the NPR TED Radio Hour, Sunday 6th September, Newstalk FM

'Solve for X' 

Math intimidates a lot of us, but it can deliver surprising answers to life’s most pressing questions. 

When Randall Munroe volunteered to teach physics to high school students, his textbook approach to teaching the subject fell flat. Then he realized a way to get the kids excited about math, through the medium of Star Wars. 

Munroe doesn't love math, but has made a career out of solving equations.  By answering outlandish hypotheticals, he uses numbers as a playground for the imagination. 

Polymath Terry Moore wondered why "X" is the universal unknown in Algebra.  He dove into the history of numbers to come up with an unexpected answer. 

Percussionist Clayton Cameron dissects the mathematics of improvisational jazz, discovering how numerical patterns make him a better musician. Cameron also shares a story about how his math skills helped him impress the godfather of soul, James Brown. 

Netflix, Uber, and the stock market are governed by algorithms.  Entrepreneur and artist Kevin Slavin shows how these formulas can reshape finance, culture and physical environments, with potentially harmful consequences.

Mathematician Hannah Fry says math can help you find love.  Using mathematical models, she explains how to find an ideal mate and the secret to maintaining a healthy relationship.  

The TED Radio Hour, Sunday's from 6pm on Newstalk 106-108 FM.