The Travelling Santa Problem and Other Seasonal Challenges - Marcus du Sautoy

Explore the fascinating intersection of mathematics and Christmas in this Oxford Mathematics Christmas Public Lecture. Delve into holiday-themed mathematical challenges, including the Travelling Santa Problem, as Professor Marcus du Sautoy uncovers the hidden complexities behind seasonal conundrums. Discover the applications of triangular numbers, pairings, and algorithms in solving festive puzzles. Learn about the Google and Amazon algorithms, the Flash Crash, and how mathematics applies to real-world scenarios like the Premier League Problem and the Party Problem. Gain insights into how mathematical concepts can predict financial markets and enhance problem-solving skills in various domains.

Introduction
Holiday Challenges
Triangular Numbers
Pairings
Algorithms
Google Algorithm
Amazon Algorithms
The Flash Crash
The Premier League Problem
The Party Problem