Moderator Multiplying Posts by 2: 64 Times!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical problem involving exponential growth, specifically the calculation of the number of posts a moderator would have after multiplying his initial post count by two, 64 times. The conversation touches on the implications of this growth and the difficulty of performing such calculations manually.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the result of multiplying the moderator's posts by two 64 times is 2^64, suggesting it is straightforward.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while the answer is known, they are looking for the actual numerical value rather than just the expression 2^64.
  • Some participants express surprise at the size of the number resulting from this multiplication, questioning the effort required to compute it manually.
  • A participant provides a step-by-step method to calculate 2^64 using a calculator, ultimately revealing the numerical result as 18446744073709551616.
  • One participant inquires about the standard chessboard formula, indicating a potential confusion or interest in related mathematical concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a lack of consensus on the significance of the number 2^64, with some participants finding it trivial while others express curiosity about its magnitude and the calculation process. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications or interest in the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the difficulty of performing the multiplication manually and the reliance on calculators, indicating a potential limitation in understanding or interest in the mathematical process itself.

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I guess most of you have come to this problem sometime, but this is my modern adaptation of it:

A member of physics forums bets with a moderator that he (the moderator) won't be able of multiplying his number of posts by two in the number of posts he (the normal member) has.

member's posts: 64

moderator's posts: 1

what moderator has to do: times his posts (1) by 2, 64 times.

After three decades the moderator accepts that it's impossible to achieve.

How many posts did the moderator have to do?
 
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2^64, that's not even a puzzle. In the standard chessboard formulation of the problem it would be 2^65 - 1.[/color]
 
BicycleTree said:
2^64, that's not even a puzzle. In the standard chessboard formulation of the problem it would be 2^65 - 1.[/color]

ok, its not a puzzle, but its about math:

What I wanted you people to give me is the number 2^64 not tell me 2^64, I already said that!
 
what so supprising with the 'number' of 2^64
 
ArielGenesis said:
what so supprising with the 'number' of 2^64

just that it's dificult to get: well, with a calculator it's easy, but you still have to multiply by tewo so many times, the numbr must be enormous. I just want to know it and knwo if there is someone that is so board that he has nothing better to do than this.
 
Step 1: Open microsoft calculator.
Step 2: Press the key labeled 2.
Step 3: Press the x^y key.
Step 4: Press the key 6
Step 5: Press the key 4.
Step 6: Press the key labeled =.
Step 7: Select "copy" from the Edit menu.
Step 8: Press ctrl-v in the Quick Reply window.

18446744073709551616
 
What is the standard chessboard formula?

2^64 has about 20 digits, I doubt I could even name it correctly so I will not bother trying to write it out in its full glory.

Edit: I was correct, it did have 20 digits. Wow, what a useful little calculator!
 

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