math in mean girls

1 I like math

In this first clip, we are given a glimpse in to Kady's character through her voicing of a common strength of mathematics: universality. Why is this claim plausible? What might we get out of understanding it more thoroughly?

2 invitation to mathletes

here we see the social dichotomy emerge between coolness and math. We also have the exception-proving-the-rule Kevin. Mathematicians tend to be shy introverts. Discuss.

3 talking to aaron

As Kady gives in to the dark side, math is used here as a symbol for her personal integrity

4 talking and tutoring

Here we see Kady in the depth of self-denial, choosing to fail her math tests/quizzes in order to get more face time with Aaron. The narrative voice is almost, but not quite her conscience. Notice the focus on wrong versus right answers portrayed as the natural focus point for a math discussion.

5 just the answers are wrong

Ms. Norberry has Kady figured out. Not only is Kady poor at covering up her intelligence, the teacher feels justified in giving her poor marks for correct work but incorrect answers.

6 righteous path

More math as a convenient symbol for the heroine's return to the righteous path. "Welcome back, nerd!"

7 math contest

The math contest is full of math stereotypes. Maybe a list is in order. My favorite one to notice is the crowd. Not only is it sparser than Kevin's "good turnout this year", there aren't even enough people in attendance to account for the parents of the participants.

8 final battle

The end of the contest is what puts this over the top as a math movie. Unlike many others, here the math problem itself, and the character's philosophical resignation to struggle with it "you just have to solve the puzzle in front of you" is the culmination of the development ofthe character. Nowhere else is the actual act of mathematizing so important thematically, not in GWH, not in BM.