1729: The Magic Number Connecting Futurama and Srinivasa Ramanujan

Hello, lifelong learners, math enthusiasts, and sci-fi fans!

Do you believe that a single number can connect the genius of Srinivasa Ramanujan to a futuristic animated TV series like Futurama? Well, the number 1729 does exactly that -and it’s a story worth telling! 🚀

In this week’s edition, let’s dive deep into:

Why 1729 Matters

The number 1729, known as the Ramanujan-Hardy number, has an incredible backstory. When G.H. Hardy, a renowned mathematician, visited Ramanujan in the hospital, he remarked that the taxi he arrived in had the number 1729. Hardy thought it was a "dull number," but Ramanujan corrected him with one of the most elegant observations in mathematics:

1729 = 1³ + 12³ = 9³ + 10³

And just like that, 1729 became a mathematical marvel, immortalised as the taxicab number.

The Futurama Connection

Here’s where it gets even more fascinating! The creators of Futurama, known for embedding clever mathematical references into their episodes, couldn’t resist using 1729. It pops up in multiple episodes:

• As the starship registry number in one episode.

• As a universe number in another.

But they didn’t stop there. In a brilliant nod to Ramanujan’s genius, they referenced another taxicab-related number, 87,539,319, which is the smallest number expressible as the sum of cubes in three distinct ways. Perfect for a taxicab in a futuristic world, don’t you think?

What Makes 1729 Special Beyond Futurama?

This number isn’t just about cubes - it has other fascinating properties:

• Harshad Number: The sum of its digits (1+7+2+9=19) divides it perfectly.

• Linked to ‘e’: At the 1729th decimal place of the famous irrational number e, we find the first occurrence of all ten digits consecutively.

• Third Carmichael Number: A rare class of pseudoprime numbers.

• Sphenic Number: A number divisible by exactly three distinct primes.

Why We Created This Video

At Neptune Game Labs, we believe in making math accessible, fun, and engaging. Numbers like 1729 aren’t just for textbooks—they’re bridges connecting history, creativity, and even pop culture. That’s why we created this short, visually engaging video to explore how math and storytelling intersect.

Watch, Learn, and Share

🎥 Video:

This video is a love letter to both mathematics and creative storytelling, showcasing the brilliance of Ramanujan and the playful ingenuity of Futurama.

If you enjoyed this, don’t forget to subscribe to my education newsletter for more stories that blend math, creativity, and 21st-century skills. Let’s reimagine learning, one story at a time!

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Final Thoughts

Numbers like 1729 remind us that math is more than formulas - it’s about curiosity, discovery, and the stories they tell. Let me know what you think, and feel free to share this with someone who loves math, sci-fi, or stories that make learning exciting.

Stay curious,
Neptune Game Labs