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Mental Math Wiz to Reveal the Magic of Calculations at Free Event

Dr. Arthur Benjamin

Dr. Arthur Benjamin

A mathematician known for his feats of mental calculation will demonstrate his math magic during a free event Saturday at UT Dallas. 

As a special guest of the Metroplex Math Circle (MMC), Dr. Arthur Benjamin, a magician and professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, will share his mental math secrets during his “Mathemagics” presentation, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the TI Auditorium (Room 2.102) in the South Engineering and Computer Science Building. The event is open to the public and for an audience of all ages.

Benjamin has delivered TED talks and has made numerous radio and television appearances, including on The Today Show, CNN, National Public Radio, the BBC and The Colbert Report. During his “Mathemagics” program, Benjamin demonstrates and explains his techniques for performing rapid calculations in his head, faster than a calculator.  

Established in 2005 by Dr. Titu Andreescu, associate professor in the Department of Science and Mathematics Education, the Metroplex Math Circle is a UT Dallas outreach program that encourages talented middle and high school students to excel in advanced mathematics and problem-solving. The program is geared toward students who are motivated to excel beyond their schools’ math curriculum.  

“Mathemagics”

Who: Dr. Arthur Benjamin, magician and professor of mathematics, Harvey Mudd College

What: "Mathemagics" — an entertaining and fast-paced performance combining magic and rapid mental math calculations

When: 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: South Engineering and Computer Science Building, TI Auditorium (Room 2.102)
 

The MMC meets on Saturday afternoons at UT Dallas, and is free to students and teachers. Up to 50 participants attend each meeting, where they learn from national and local mathematicians about advanced math topics, take part in problem-solving sessions and practice for mathematics competitions. Benjamin previously performed “Mathemagics” at UT Dallas as a guest of the MMC in 2008. 

Andreescu, a former coach of the U.S. International Mathematical Olympiad Team, said the MMC not only helps students become competitive in math, but also prepares them for college, STEM-related careers and life.

“It is my belief that if you are able to operate at a certain level in math and problem-solving, then you can tackle anything in life,” Andreescu said. “That is what the Metroplex Math Circle facilitates. It’s wonderful outreach for UT Dallas, and it’s been very successful. 

“We’re looking forward to sharing the joy of math by hosting Art Benjamin on campus once again.” 

Benjamin's talk is sponsored by AwesomeMath, an organization Andreescu founded that provides year-round and residential summer programs, publications and contests for students aimed at fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and mathematical excellence. 

Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].

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