Teaches Mathematical Thinking

Terence Tao

Terence Tao invites you to see math the way he does—as a beautiful piece of art—and encourages you to open yourself to a new understanding of mathematics as an accessible and exciting opportunity for exploration.

Meet Your Instructor 

Looking back, Terence can’t remember life before math. He was always drawn to it and naturally loved it. In this lesson, he shares the inner workings of a mathematical life and the difference between mathematical competitions and research.

Terence Tao’s Journey

Terence explains that the outlook on math in education used to be that it was impractical; it was like learning complicated magic just to pass a test. He also emphasizes that anyone can lean into an innate ability to think like a mathematician.

Demystifying Math

Not every problem requires a formula or mathematical training to find a solution. Terence shows you how you can apply math in everyday situations, such as wine measuring, and offers suggestions for enjoying the process of learning.

Math in Your Everyday Life

Terence challenges you to choose problems just outside your range and shares a case study in which he applies math to make airports more efficient. This example illustrates how asking questions in a different way can help you make progress.

Choosing the Problem to Solve

Using the analogy of a detective solving a mystery, Terence explains how curiosity and storytelling offer a creative approach to problem-solving. The process of elimination, building narratives, and asking questions are key to moving forward.

Solving Problems With Story

Visualization, thinking about a problem in a different way—sometimes even in a physical way—may help lead you to solutions. This process of transforming your thinking can help you move beyond the limitations of intuition and preconceived ideas.

Transforming Problems

Terence has always been drawn to imaginary scenarios that operate within a set of guidelines or rules. He demonstrates a puzzle and how it can actually provide a life-saving solution, and he converts a math puzzle into tic-tac-toe.

Games, Cheats, and Puzzles

Forget the intense pressure of giving the correct answer on a school math test. Terence shares a personal life lesson to teach you that there is a benefit to failing: There may be clues in your failed process that lead to breakthroughs later.

Math Fails

As you pursue your understanding of math, you will likely encounter roadblocks in solving problems. Terence offers tips for unlocking clues and shares how gaining knowledge by directing your attention to other problems can bring you full circle.

Stumped

Math has evolved into a team activity, and being open to input from others is key to success. Terence explains how he leans on research from fellow mathematicians—and how students and peers interact with him in the same way through blogs.

Finding Strength in Numbers

We are all part of a larger math story. Terence is one of many mathematical figures who influences our understanding of the world, and there will be many after him. The human tendency to ask questions means math and science are ever-evolving.

Onward

Terence Tao Teaches Mathematical Thinking

Science & Technology

Use Science and Math to Solve Problems

Teaches Economics and Society

Paul Krugman

Paul Krugman Teaches Economics and Society

Teaches Business Innovation

Rosalind Brewer

Rosalind Brewer Teaches Business Innovation

Teaches Conservation

Dr. Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall Teaches Conservation

With Noted Experts

Crypto and the Blockchain

Teaches Poker Strategy

Phil Ivey

Phil Ivey Teaches Poker Strategy

Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication

Teaches Space Exploration

Chris Hadfield

Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration

Teaches Filmmaking

James Cameron

James Cameron Teaches Filmmaking

Teaches Poker

Daniel Negreanu

Daniel Negreanu Teaches Poker

Teaches Game Design and Theory

Will Wright

Will Wright Teaches Game Design and Theory

Teaches Disruptive Entrepreneurship 

Richard Branson

Richard Branson Teaches Disruptive Entrepreneurship 

Teaches How to Think Like an FBI Profiler

John Douglas

John Douglas Teaches How to Think Like an FBI Profiler

Teaches Values-Driven Leadership

Coach K

Coach K Teaches Values-Driven Leadership

Chris Hadfield and Noted Co-Experts

Crisis Day

Chris Voss and Noted Co-Experts

Small Habits that Make a Big Impact on Your Life

James Clear

James Clear: Small Habits that Make a Big Impact on Your Life

Navigating Change

Jay Shetty

Teaches Music and Connection

Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma Teaches Music and Connection

Teaches Science and Problem-Solving

Bill Nye

Bill Nye Teaches Science and Problem-Solving

With Leading Experts

Brain Health

Brain Health with Leading Experts

Guided by Leading Experts

Achieve More With GenAI

Gut Health

Gut Health with Leading Experts

Think Like a Boss, Live Like a Legend

Martha Stewart

Teaches The Art of Negotiation

Chris Voss

Teaches the Art of Negotiation

Chris Voss Teaches The Art of Negotiation

Menu

Get 50% off memberships + gifts

Get 50% off memberships + gifts

Get 50% off memberships + gifts

Get 50% off This Holiday Season

Get 50% off This Holiday Season

Get 50% off This Holiday Season

Get 50% off This Holiday Season