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Math Horizons Contents—November 2013

The November Math Horizons features an exploration of Monte Carlo methods in climate science, part of the Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 project. Readers will also be reunited with the amazing Pi-man as he battles aliens on the golden asteroid, and they will be taken to a virtual race track where they can test their ability to avoid catastrophe. —Stephen Abbott and Bruce Torrence

Volume 21, Issue 2

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Monte Carlo Methods in Climate Science

John C. Baez and David Tweed

Cutting-edge models based on casino-inspired mathematics may be what prevents us from gambling on the Earth’s future. (pdf)

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.5

A Magic Trick Based on the Hamming Code

Todd Mateer

Impress your friends and family with some error-correcting sleight of hand.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.9

Fasten Your Seat Belt and Start Your Engine!

Charles R. Hadlock

First take a look at the mathematics under the hood of these virtual race cars—and then take them out for a spin.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.12

The Disgruntled Math Major: Boldly Going Where No Math Major Has Gone Before

Nick Boredaki

Our occasionally ornery columnist isn’t afraid to take on the hard questions: Does .999… = 1? Is dy/dx a fraction? Is math the same on other planets?

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.16

Pi-man and the Golden Asteroid

Lawrence Brenton

The deadly puzzles of fiendish aliens are no match for the sharp wits of our well-rounded, irrational hero.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.18

Divine Secrets of the Mathematical Sisterhood

Pam Richardson

The Summer Mathematics Program for Women at Carleton College offers much more to its participants than just a few challenging courses.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.1.22

The Day the Scientific Revolution Began

Leigh Atkinson

Four years before Copernicus rearranged the solar system, Gerolamo Cardano’s forward-looking approach to the problem of points set in motion a revolution in mathematical probability.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.25

Can a Pure Mathematician Really Dig Statistics?

Elizabeth Wilcox

A chance encounter with an archaeology colleague opens the author’s eyes to the depth and usefulness of another discipline—and her own.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons/21.2.28

THE PLAYGROUND!

The Math Horizons problem section, edited by Derek Smith and Gary Gordon

JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.30

AFTERMATH: Limits of Growth

Priscilla Bremser

The uninhibited proliferation of advanced placement classes is altering the educational landscape in high schools, and beyond.

To purchase the article from JSTOR: http://dx.doi.org/10.4169/mathhorizons.21.2.35