JOURNAL ARTICLE

Time to rhyme.

  • Published In: New Scientist, 2024, v. 263, n. 3503. P. 44 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Rowlett, Peter 3 of 3

Abstract

Mathematics and poetry have more in common than one might think, according to Peter Rowlett. While mathematics is often seen as logical and separate from creative pursuits, it actually requires a great deal of creativity. Poetry, like math, follows rules and constraints that enhance its creativity. For example, rhyme schemes in poetry can be counted using Bell numbers, which count the ways of dividing up a set of objects. Additionally, Sanskrit poetry uses different syllable weights, which correspond to Fibonacci numbers. Not all poetry rhymes, and there are various ways to constrain writing, such as the haiku. Some mathematicians have even created a π-ku, a three-line poem based on the approximation of pi as 3.14. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:New Scientist. 2024/08, Vol. 263, Issue 3503, p44
  • Document Type:Instructions
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0262-4079
  • Accession Number:178868682
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