The num8er my5teries – The curious incident of the never-ending numbers (2006)

Marcus du Sautoy

Join Marcus du Sautoy in an exploration of the mysterious primes, the atoms of mathematics.

Watch time: 39:11
Marcus du Sautoy holding his hand out, with bubbles floating around him
Credit: Paul Wilkinson

Lecture 1 – The curious incident of the never-ending numbers

Join Marcus du Sautoy in an exploration of the mysterious primes, the atoms of mathematics.

In his first Lecture from 2006, Marcus reveals where our numbers come from and how you could win $1 million by solving their secret.

About the 2006 CHRISTMAS LECTURES

Marcus Du Sautoy’s lectures take us on a grand tour of the fascinating world of mathematics. From numbers to shapes and from codes to chaos, the Num8er My5teries explore some of the great stories of mathematics.

The five Lectures show how a small amount of maths can bring alive some of the most exciting mysteries of the universe.

Marcus breaks down popular misconceptions about maths by revealing how mathematics has helped build the modern world. Every time we download a song from iTunes, take a flight across the Atlantic or talk on our mobile phones, we are relying on the great inventions of mathematics.

At the heart of every lecture is a conundrum that has stumped mathematicians and for which a million dollar reward was offered for a solution.

2006 CHRISTMAS LECTURES supporters