You're warmly invited in-person for the keynote talk from the bestselling maths author Rob Eastaway. This event is open to everyone aged 16 or over. We particularly welcome mathematics teachers from London and beyond, as well as university students interested in maths education, and maths students from local schools.

Registrations close on 16 July.

 

Maths on the Back of an Envelope

Abstract:

The convenience and speed of calculators has led us to believe that a number is only right when it is quoted to several decimal places. But maths is not always about getting precisely the right answer - and often a rough answer can offer more insights.

This is a talk about everyday estimation and about Fermi questions - the art of working things out when you aren't given any data. From working out the chance of unusual coincidences, to a quick method for answering a vintage Who wants to be a Millionaire? question, bestselling maths author Rob Eastaway guides you through maths that can be done on the back of an envelope.

After the talk, Rob will be staying for a book signing session with copies of his latest book, ‘Maths on the back of an envelope’.

 

Speaker bio:

Author of numerous popular maths books including Why Do Buses Come In Threes? and Maths on the back of an envelope; editor of the weekly maths puzzle column in New Scientist magazine; Director of Maths Inspiration, a national programme of interactive lecture shows in theatres for 16-17 year olds.

Please note that attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

This talk forms part of the King’s Mathematics Teachers’ Conference. If you are offered a place at the conference, you do not need to register separately for the talk.

This event is organised jointly by the Maths Department and NMES Faculty at King’s College London. If you have any questions or would like any further details, please email nmes-outreach@kcl.ac.uk.