2012-03-22 East Midlands Branch

The Hidden Maths of Sport by Rob Eastaway

7.30 pm, Thursday 22nd March 2012 

Venue: Room A17, Mathematical Sciences Building, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD [N.B. this is the new Mathematical Sciences Building see campus map].

Rob Eastaway is best known for his books on the maths of everyday life and regularly appears on BBC radio to talk about everyday maths. Books include "Why do buses come in threes?" and "Maths for Mums & Dads", and most recently "The Hidden Mathematics of Sport". He is a former President of the Mathematical Association, and the Director of Maths Inspiration, a national programme of theatre-based lecture shows for teenagers.

Abstract: Maths and sport have always been inextricably linked. And we're not just talking about statistics. The strategies of a penalty-taker, an athlete and a tennis server can all be highly mathematical. Why should a shot-putter head for Mexico? What do American football and cricket have in common? Why should the referee have KNOWN that Lampard's shot went in against Germany?
Is it better to be a brilliant but flawed golfer, or a boringly consistent one? And when you're down the pub, should you really aim your dart at treble 20? All this and more in a talk that has something for everyone.

No charge is made to attend meetings; non-IMA members are welcome.

The talk is coordinated by East Midlands Branch Secretary, Dr Stephen Hibberd, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, email: stephen.hibberd@nottingham.ac.uk.