Mathematicians: video (text version)

Man: Now, there are thirteen kids here, aren't there?

Woman: At the last count.

Man: So, there are 360 degrees in a circle. Divide that by thirteen. What do we get? About thirty degrees for each slice?

Woman: Are you trying to cause arguments? 27.69 more like. You're not much of a mathematician, are you?

Man: Well, as a matter of fact, I am. Okay, have it your way, 27.69. You cut it up then.

Woman: Fat chance.

Man: Well, quid pro quo. You're not much of a geometrician, are you?

Woman: Not a great one, no. More of a pure mathematician.

Man: Really! Me too. Where do you work?

Woman: I'm a school teacher. Not enough university jobs around.

Man: Plenty of opportunities at GCHQ.

Woman: For research?

Man: Cutting edge research and development. Mathematics applied to real world problems.

Woman: You don't really have that many vacancies though, do you?

Man: On the contrary, we're always on the lookout for qualified, talented people. We've already got the highest concentration of mathematicians in the country. Creates a great atmosphere.

Woman: What are you working on at the moment?

Man: Cryptographic algorithms. I'm also designing some decryption software for use on our supercomputers.

Woman: On your own?

Man: God no! We work alongside technologists and other specialists. It's teamwork. The more heads on the job the better.

Woman: Sounds pretty exciting.

Man: Mmm. People usually see maths as being pretty dry, but if they could see what GCHQ is doing with our expertise they might think again. There's a like-minded community to share your successes with. It makes a difference. We make a difference. Mathematicians make a difference! Now, that's a breakthrough.

Woman: I don't think I could face living in London though.

Man: London? What are you talking about? Cheltenham!

Woman: I thought all intelligence operations must be in London.

Man: No. The gateway to the glorious Cotswolds. We live in a lovely village about eight miles out of town.

Woman: So you think someone like me could apply?

Man: Apply yourself to wonderful country walks, great restaurants, theatre and concerts, sports, activities ... of course you could! Oh, and if you can show you really are a good mathematician to GCHQ too.

Woman: In which case, I've got a funny feeling I'm not going to be able to stop myself.

Man: Great! Sounds like a cause for celebration. What can I get you?

Woman: A piece of chocolate cake I think. It's just occurred to me. If I have a thirty five degree slice, that leaves exactly twenty five degrees for each of the thirteen kids. You want to cut?

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