History Main / FormulaicMagic

On the flip side, writers will occasionally make [[RitualMagic systems of magic]] describable through math, [[FantasticScience much like their physical science counterparts]]. This use of math is more readily justified, though usually still not explained in sufficient detail to make mathematical sense.

This may be FunctionalMagic under rule magic. Arguably TruthInTelevision if you consider science to be a form of magic, and that its formulas are being applied to create technology, thus hacking the universe and having magic-like powers over things.

* The ''Series/DoctorWho'' story "Logopolis" features a planet where they've developed a branch of mathematics in which the act of performing the calculations changes the fabric of reality. The entire population takes shifts in calculating a never-ending formula that holds the end of the universe at bay.

** A more abstract example is seen in New!Who episode ''The Shakespeare Code''; the Carrionites use words as magic, like witches, and the Doctor explains this as completely non-magical by comparing it to mathematics on earth; "With the right string of numbers you can split the atom!" Except, of course, that saying the number out loud will not cause an atom to spontaneously divide in two.
* ''{{Lost}}'': [[ArcNumber The numbers]] (4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42), which are [[spoiler:parameters in the Valenzetti equation used to derive the time remaining before humanity's extinction]].

* There is an actual book called ''Mathemagics'' with this entire premise for the magical system. (The premise for the book itself is the image of the wife wearing the chainmail and swinging the huge sword, while thin-of-arm hubby runs the numbers.)

This may be FunctionalMagic under rule magic. Arguably TruthInTelevision if you consider science to be a form of magic, and its formulas are being applied to create technology.

** It's generally implied to be a very difficult, technical class -- Hermione's homework for it consists of "complicated number charts". It's probably the wizarding equivalent of advanced physics -- so naturally, something only Hermione would take (and enjoy).
** I think it's more likely to be analogous to maths - because EverybodyHatesMathematics, enjoying it is a quick shorthand for a clever, geeky student.
** I would imagine it would be rather like statistics, rely on previous experience to predict future events, it just takes magical forces into account.
** I always thought is was [[CallARabbitASmeerp just a different name for numerology]], which is indeed a type of divination practiced through the manipulation of numbers.

* Reinhart Manx, the playable mage character in ''DungeonSiege III'' employs both this and {{Magitek}}.

* The ''DoctorWho'' story "Logopolis" features a planet where they've developed a branch of mathematics in which the act of performing the calculations changes the fabric of reality. The entire population takes shifts in calculating a never-ending formula that holds the end of the universe at bay.

* Used by [[spoiler:Kyrie]] and [[spoiler:the Siestas]] in ''UminekoNoNakuKoroNi''.

* It's [[http://www.onemanga.com/Magical_Girl_Lyrical_Nanoha_As/4/06/ revealed]] in the [[AllThereInTheManual supplementary]] [[ComicBookAdaptation manga]] of ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' that constructing the InstantRunes needed for magic in that setting requires a very good grasp of math. In fact, one of the reasons why Nanoha and Fate are such powerful mages is because they're both [[TeenGenius math geniuses]].

** The PreCrisis DCU RoundRobin maxiseries ''DC Challenge'' had a series of numbers in the first issue (written by Mark Evanier) that were somehow important -- but none of the other writers could ever really figure out how. Several of them later used the numbers in formulas for this, that, and the other. The secret? [[spoiler:Add them up on a calculator and turn the calculator upside down; it spelled out the name "ELI ELLIS."]]

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* '''Reduction of math to a magical artifact:''' The simple knowledge of an equation is powerful in itself. Committing a mathematical expression to memory might unlock superpowers, for instance.

** GoldenAge superhero Johnny Quick accessed his superspeed powers by reciting the mathematical formula "3X2(9YZ)4A". More recent materials have [[{{Retcon}} retconned]] this as a mantra that allows him to tap into the mystical Speed Force.

Such "magical math" (or "mathemagic") doesn't have to be connected to any aspect of reality, so it will [[EEqualsMCHammer often be rather nonsensical]] as a result. In this way, such math is somewhat related to the NumerologicalMotif, in which numbers get intrinsic properties.

On the flip side, writers will occasionally make systems of magic describable through math, much like their physical science counterparts. This use of math is more readily justified, though usually still not explained in sufficient detail to make mathematical sense.

** I think it's more likely to be analogous to maths - because EveryoneHatesMathematics, enjoying it is a quick shorthand for a clever, geeky student.

* The Aons (runes) neccessary to make the magic system from ''{{Elantris}}'' work are very much like a combination of mathematical symbols and a very complex alphabet. Learning magic is incredibly difficult for this reason, and it can take weeks for even an experienced practitioner to write out the more complex spell "equations".