This document discusses the similarities and differences between mathematics and the creative arts. It explores how emotion, intuition, and imagination play a role in mathematics by providing examples like Andrew Wiles solving Fermat's Last Theorem and origami, which combines mathematical folding patterns with art. Students are asked to identify shared aspects between the two fields and consider how imagination is needed but must be expressed, and how both have objective standards of structure, lines, and shape.

1. mathematics
How is math similar to and different from the arts? What
role does emotion, intuition, and imagination play in math?
(the images on this and the following slide are from the ceiling of the Fatima Masumeh
Shrine, Qom, Iran )

3. Identify shared aspects
between Math & Creative
Arts
Brainstorm
Video Clip: Andrew Wiles
Origami
Video Clip

4. Watch the short
video clip on
Andrew Wiles
Solving Fermat’s Last Theorem
Role of emotion, intuition, imagination
Cubum autem in duos cubos, aut
quadrato-quadratum in duos quadrato-
quadratos, et generaliter nullam in
infinitum ultra quadratum potestatem in
duos eiusdem nominis fas est dividere
cuius rei demonstrationem mirabilem
sane detexi. Hanc marginis exiguitas
non caperet -pierre de fermat-
1637

5. In Pairs/At Tables-Develop a list that
outlines all the similarities between math and the arts
(as good TOK students, you may wish to ask the question:
“similar how?”)
• Fibonacci series and Golden Mean
• Modern art and modern math are far out
• Both art & Math invent: perspective/zero
• Old art and old math are as good as new
• Imagination is not enough - needs expression
• Both fields have some objective standards: structure, lines, shape,
texture, novelty, generality
• Other?

6. Math as Spiritual Endeavor
“Perhaps the best reason for regarding
mathematics as an art is not so much that it affords
an outlet from creative activity as that it provides
spiritual values. It puts man in touch with the
highest aspirations and loftiest goals. It offers
intellectual delight and the exaltation of resolving
the mysteries of the universe.”
-Morris Kline-

7. What do all these images have in common?

8. They are all origami
• 1 piece of paper (although the paper may vary in
size)
• No cutting, only folding

9. Make an Origami Crane
• Use the paper provided to make an origami crane
• follow the instructions given by the teacher
• If you know how to make a crane, see if you can
learn another form (look up a design online)
• Watch some portions of the TED talk by Robert
Lang to see now math, art and origami can connect
to solve real problems

10. Robert LangPhysicist and Origamist