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How the Königsberg bridge problem changed mathematics - Dan Van der Vieren

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You’d have a hard time finding the medieval city Königsberg on any modern maps, but one particular quirk in its geography has made it one of the most famous cities in mathematics. Dan Van der Vieren explains how grappling with Königsberg’s puzzling seven bridges led famous mathematician Leonhard Euler to invent a new field of mathematics.

Create a map with one more island between two land masses. What is the minimum number of bridges needed to create a Eulerian path?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Dan Van der Vieren
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Director Outis
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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