The 4 Colour Theorem Explained

preview_player
Показать описание
For my video submission, the “4 Colour Theorem Explained”, I highlight some of the underlying principles of Graph Theory and the century old 4 colour problem. I was introduced to this topic when I watched a video by NumberPhile on non-planar graphs. In particular, I found it very interesting to learn how mathematicians found elegant ways of visualising and classifying 2 dimensional graphs.

I begin my video by introducing a hypothetical scenario, where a king has assigned the viewer a task to colour a map with as few colours as possible. I then transition to explaining the theorem at hand and highlight its fundamental components. Finally, I use animations to show how mathematicians were able to prove the theorem using a computer. All along, I place heavy emphasis on visual elements and include many diagrams and equations to support my narration.

The crux of my video is to accentuate how there are certain limits as to how we can draw maps and how mathematicians found a certain set of 1936 reducible configurations for planar maps. I want my video to show viewers how universal math is, and how it has applications in every facet of our daily lives.

This is how I envision math communication, where powerful animations make “Math come alive” and drive understanding. Through my videos, I want to reiterate that math neither is trivial nor uninteresting, but actually fascinating, and rooted in elegant ideas with truly tremendous applications in the real world.

-Submitted for the Strogatz Math Prize. Edit: won second place
Рекомендации по теме
Комментарии
Автор

That's this was super helpful for my purposes!

Remirlis
Автор

Interesting concepts raised again. I am going to try using 4 colours on some plans etc and see what I get!!

manishkhanna
Автор

Here’s something interesting about the 4-colour theorem, I think it is correct when in maths, but can be disproved with map geography. This is because of something called *exclaves*. Exclaves are a part of a country which is disconnected from the mainland (while still being on the same piece of land), and border multiple countries. This makes it very easy to disprove the 4-colour-theorem with exclaves, and I always feel so smart after making them. All it takes is three steps, but I’m not going to list them now because nobody asked (until someone replies and asks).

LyrLyrPantsOnFyr
Автор

I understood everything, it's great!

xangad
Автор

Really interesting applications of math, love the animation!

ayaanshah
Автор

why should the outside be counted as a face? If it wasn't then one and two-vertice graphs would also fit the formula and V - E + F would always equal 1

Morriseigi
Автор

Actually helpful . im having soo much trouble understand what the letters are

hudii
Автор

congrats on winning the steven strogatz prize :D

CreativeMathProblems
Автор

you make vids now? woah i remeber when you werea commenter nice

Mark-Wilson
Автор

what if a country has 4 countries bordering it?

rucoypsykos