Math is a fascinating subject. Numbers can work in so many peculiar ways and can produce unbelievable results. There are lots of cool tricks having to do with numbers and their relation to probability. To get your child more interested in the subject, below are some fun math facts they can share with their class or math tutor.

5 Cool Math Facts

1. The Sliced Cake

You can cut a cake into eight pieces using only three cuts. Just slice the cake in half horizontally, then slice across the diameter, and then slice across the diameter at 90 degrees to meet the second slice you made. 

2. Wallpaper Patterns

There are only 17 possible types of wallpaper patterns. While wallpapers can come in endless styles and colors, look closely at the underlying symmetry when applying it. Since wallpaper is a pattern repeating itself over and over, there are only so many rotations and variations you can make with the patterns before you run out of possible symmetries. 

3. Kaprekar's Constant

Did you know there's always a way to get the answer 6,174 from any four-digit number? Just pick any four numbers and arrange them in two ways. One with the numbers in ascending order, like 1,234, for example, and one with the same numbers in descending order, like 4,321. Subtract the smaller number from the larger one. Keep repeating this pattern with the answers you get, and within seven turns, you’ll come to the number 6,174 every time. 

4. Birthday Matches 

Probability is an interesting lesson that is widely taught by math tutors and in classrooms around the world. An interesting case of probability is as follows. Only 23 people in a room are needed to give you an even chance that two people may have the same birthday. With 365 options for a birthday, it's easier to find two people who share a birthday. The larger a crowd gets, your odds increase. In fact, 75 people in a room give you a 99% chance that two people share the same birthday.

5. The Seven Die Trick 

Take a look at an average die with 20 sides. If you add up the number of dots on one side with the number of dots on the exact opposite side, your answer will always be seven. 

If you’re interested in learning more about math, check out Mathnasium. Mathnasium has locations in Connecticut and New Hampshire, where students can learn the tried and true Mathnasium Method™ to improve their math skills. In business for 35 years, these math tutors give each student individualized attention to ensure their success. For more information, you can call the Avon location at (860) 785-6284. You can also call their Trumbull location at (203) 261-0588 or their Manchester location at (603) 644-1234. Learn more about their services on their website.