Arthur Benjamin has an interesting take on math.
Like other mathematicians, Benjamin is immersed in academia. But the Harvey Mudd College professor made his name elsewhere.
His breakthrough came in February 2005 with a TED Talk he delivered on what he calls “mathemagic.”
Donning a tuxedo complete with a cummerbund and bow tie adorned with colorful numerals, Benjamin speaks at a frenetic pace with an obvious zeal for his work — all while he calculates the squares of three-digit numbers in his head and does so faster than audience members armed with calculators can.
He gives an admittedly dorky vibe — appropriate, perhaps, for the subject matter — but it’s a striking, engaging feat.
And tonight, the act arrives on campus.
Benjamin will speak in Gambrell Hall room 153 at 7 p.m. in a presentation sponsored by Carolina Science Outreach and the USC Department of Mathematics.