Pancake Problem

Before Microsoft, Bill Gates was a mathematician! During his sophomore year at Harvard, he formulated an algorithm to figure out the minimum number of flips it takes to sort a stack of pancakes. Listen to or read the NPR interview with Dr. Lewis, Gates' professor who introduced him to the problem. For background information and the "burnt pancake problem," click here.

The most common question students ask math teachers at every level is “When will I use math?” is a non-profit website that helps to answer this question. This website describes the importance of mathematics and many rewarding career opportunities available to students who study mathematics.



Figures represent salary potential.


Dr. Cary Oberije, a postdoctoral researcher in The Netherlands, has found that mathematical models can be used to accurately predict patients' responses to treatment. Prediction models were used to analyze lung cancer patients' likelihood of survival and...

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