Demystifying Math in Journalism: Bringing Numbers to Life in Reporting

Journalism is a truly special medium; it is where data and narratives intertwine. Sadly, journalists’ math skills are usually not much more advanced than the average person, and math—a valuable backup for vital data—stands underutilized. While the notion of math might evoke complex equations and abstractions, its integration into reporting need not be reserved for experts. To advise journalists on how to take math more clearly, Jordana Cepelewicz, a senior writer at Quanta Magazine, gave several pointers to unpack the widespread influence of mathematics and its potential to enhance journalistic storytelling.  

“Math is a very active area of research. That means there are lots of discoveries that are happening that experts find exciting, interesting and important,” said Cepelewicz. 

With a blend of curiosity and strategic approach, journalists can infuse mathematical insights into their work, unraveling compelling stories from seemingly ordinary subjects.

Cepelewicz begins by categorizing mathematical journalism into three main genres: explanatory pieces, data-driven investigations, and profiles. Explanatory narratives were key in uncovering several important facts about the COVID-19 pandemic, including its infectivity and reproduction rate. It also accounts for the (near-certain) fact that COVID-19 cases and deaths were under-counted in the early and worst days of the pandemic.

Data-driven reporting, on the other hand, involves extracting stories from patterns within datasets. Investigative journalists often traverse expansive datasets to uncover insights. This is essential for reporting on topics like climate change, to track the damage to the climate that has already been done and to make predictions of future climate disasters in order to apply pressure on officials to enact data-based policies. 

Profiles offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of mathematicians themselves, exploring the intertwining of their personal narratives with their research. Why do this? Because umbers are cold and calculated, but people usually offer an insight into the importance of these numbers and how they can affect other people.

While mathematical angles (no, we don’t mean obtuse or acute angles) can seem elusive, Cepelewicz stresses that almost any topic can harbor a mathematical facet. 

“It’s possible to extract something mathematical from pretty much anything you are reading or hearing about,” Cepelewicz said.

“But how do you find a good math idea?” she continued. “You start by just asking questions. If you are hearing about something, pay attention to what sparks your curiosity.”

Engaging with mathematicians directly can serve as the beginning of this process. “Researching something math-related can feel difficult,” she said. “I really depend on my interviews to give me the understanding of what my story should be [about], and then write it in a way that is comprehensible to a reader who doesn’t know anything.” If interviews are impossible, following mathematicians' blogs and social media can provide a continuous stream of thought-provoking ideas.

Approaching mathematical stories necessitates a strategic game plan. Math is not an easy concept and mathematicians vary as much as journalists on their interpretations of data. “I have found that mathematicians have different ways of thinking on different concepts,” said Cepelewicz. “I ask the most basic questions in every interview I conduct, and it is a very necessary part of the process.” Mathematicians have unique thought patterns, offering multiple angles (nope, still not acute or obtuse angles) to explore. Embracing these diverse viewpoints can enhance a journalist's comprehension and ability to convey complex material to readers.

While navigating complexities might initially seem overwhelming, the journey often unfolds into clarity. “Sometimes when I start a story, I can often feel overwhelmed by how complicated things are, but as I dive deeper into my research, things get clear and concepts connect, and that moment is incredibly satisfying,” she said.  

Math is everywhere. It is as much a part of the fabric of our universe as science, as language, as nature. Journalists have a unique opportunity to demystify how math works and its complexities for the general public. Math must no longer be relegated to the realm of experts; it is a dynamic tool that can breathe life into journalism, and into the average person’s understanding of the world around them.