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When maths mistakes really matter

Tim Harford talks to mathematically-minded comedian Matt Parker about what happens when maths mistakes are made in the real world

Tim Harford talks to mathematically-minded comedian Matt Parker about what happens when maths mistakes are made in the real world.

The author of a new book, Humble Pi, reveals how numerical errors have caused major problems for airline pilots and, potentially, a vast number of the world’s computers.

Producer: Lizzie McNeill

(Two and two make five, an incorrect equation written on a blackboard. Credit: Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Tue 19 Feb 2019 02:50GMT
BBC World Service

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Broadcasts

  • Mon 18 Feb 2019 13:50GMT
    BBC World Service except News Internet
  • Tue 19 Feb 2019 02:50GMT
    BBC World Service

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Podcast

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    Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life