Build a lesson around any TED-Ed Animation, TED Talk or YouTube video
Create a Lesson

Riemann's paradox: pi = infinity minus infinity

  • 3,087,958 Views
  • 525 Questions Answered
  • Best of Web

Let’s Begin…

With the help of a very famous mathematician, the Mathologer sets out to show how you can subtract infinity from infinity in a legit way to get exactly pi.


Customize This Lesson

8

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

Additional Resources for you to Explore
Watch these recommended TED-Ed Lessons
The Infinite Hotel Paradox
What is Zeno’s Dichotomy Paradox?

Additional references
Riemann's Rearrangement Theorem - University of Washington
143-Year-Old Problem Still Has Mathematicians Guessing - The New York Times
Next Section »
Whether math is a subject that makes you jump for joy or squirm in fear, it exists in almost all aspects of our lives. By watching this video, you continue to flex your brain and become better prepared for the future.
2 Guided Discussions
1 Open Discussion
Avatar for Cynthia Silva
Cynthia Silva
Lesson Creator
Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Were there concepts in this video you found particularly difficult to understand?
03/27/2018 • 
 3 Responses
 / 3 Updates
View discussion
What other paradoxes do you know of?
03/27/2018 • 
 2 Responses
 / 2 Updates
View discussion

Customize This Lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

More from Math in Real Life