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Math in the News: Mathematics in Sports

Sports and mathematics are two subjects that are rarely mentioned in the same sentence,  but the truth is, there’s a major correlation between the two subjects.  These subjects are so interconnected in fact, that entire semester long college courses are now being taught on the mathematics used in sports.

This article from the New York Times goes into detail about some of the great ways that colleges are using sports to increase student interest in mathematics.

As the article points out, math can be used to answer questions such as: How often will NBA player Steve Nash make his free throws, and when should a football team attempt a two-point conversion?

Judging by the following quote from the article, this concept-class seems to be working.

“I’ve never had an opportunity where a class can take something and make it so real-life.  It’s cool to finally have fun in math.”

To learn more about how mathematics is used in sports, check out chapter 10 in Math & YOU, which is all about the mathematics of sports and fitness.

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