Fractals: Simple rules, complex shapes
From The Art of Mathematics by Carol Jacoby
January 28, 2026 · 15 min
About this episode
Krystal Taylor discusses the characteristics and applications of fractals in mathematics and nature.
Krystal Taylor, Associate Professor of Mathematics at Ohio State University, discussed the surprising characteristics of fractals, "infinity in a box." They may have fractional dimension, which varies depending on how it's measured. An infinite perimeter may enclose a finite area. Yet they are not just mathematical oddities--they appear in nature and have practical applications.
People in this episode
Host: Carol Jacoby
Guest: Krystal Taylor
Topics covered
- fractals
- mathematics
- infinity
- geometry
- nature
- applications
Keywords
- fractals
- infinity
- fractional dimension
- perimeter
- finite area
- mathematical applications
- nature
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ohio State University
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