The square numbers are generated by multiplying integers by themselves (aka “squaring”). Given that multiplying 2 numbers with the same sign always yields a positive product, it follows that square numbers are always positive.

What are prime numbers, and how did they move from the backwaters of abstract mathematical analysis to being vital for the way we live in the computer age? These are a couple of the questions that I look at in this episode of Restful Maths before reading a few out...ok before reading about 500 of them out.

In this episode I look at the Natural Numbers; also known as the counting numbers they form the countable infinite set of whole numbers beginning with one...or sometimes zero. I briefly discuss their origins and why they are so important before I tell you what some of them...ok quite a few of them...are. For a transcript and links go to www.restfulmaths.com

In this trailer I describe what the  point of the Restful Maths podcast is and what it will look like, to begin with at least. To many people mathematics is stressful. The idea of the Restful Maths podcast is that mathematics, and in particular number, can be an aid to a restful end of a stressful day. Introductory music: Guitarholica by Pax11 at www.freeesound.org. Birdsong: Summer by dobroide at www.freeesound.org.