In this program we explore the properties of three-dimensional figures. We do this in the context of two real-world applications. In the first, we look at the three-dimensional structure of Mayan pyramids. These stair-step structures provide a unique opportunity to also explore sequences and series.

We visit ancient Greece to learn about the Platonic Solids.

Rectangular Prisms. Mayan pyramids are essentially stacks of rectangular prisms. The volume of each successive level is a percentage decrease of its lower neighbor.

The Shanghai Tower in China is a stack of cylindrical shapes, where each successive layer is a percentage decrease of its lower neighbor.

This animated sequence shows a cone from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows a cube from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows a cylinder from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows an octahedron from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows a pyramid from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows a rectangular prism from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows a tetrahedron from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows a triangular prism from top to bottom.

This animated sequence showsan antiprism from top to bottom.

This animated sequence shows an antiprism unfolding into two pyramids.

5/9/11. In this issue we look at tornado season. In particular we study why the swirling winds of a tornado are so damaging. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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5/16/11. In this issue we look at the flooding along the Mississippi. In particular we analyze the flooding along Memphis, Tennessee. We develop a model for predicting the amount of flooding. Note: The download is a PPT file.

6/13/11. In this issue we explore the volcanic eruption in Chile that resulted in a huge plume of smoke and ash that was miles high. We explore the viscosity of lava that makes such eruptions possible. Note: The download is a PPT file.

6/27/11. In this issue we look at the technology of hydraulic fracking. In particular, we estimate the amount of drilling required for such wells. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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9/19/11. To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 911, we look at the geometry and architecture of the Freedom Tower, currently under construction. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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11/14/11. In this issue we commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. We also look at the geometry and architecture of this monument. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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11/28/11. In this issue we look at the geometry of parade balloons. Note: The download is a PPT file. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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12/7/11. In this issue we look at the heroic work of salvaging and retrofitting many of the ships sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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12/12/11. In this issue we look at the MLK Memorial and the special properties of granite that presented some design challenges in the construction of the statue. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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January 2012. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze how the Costa Concordia sank. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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April 2012. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze the sinking of the Titanic. It has been a hundred years, yet the story of the sinkin g of the Titanic still fascinates. Note: The download is a PPT file.

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