Can Equations Be Aesthetic Art?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the aesthetic qualities of mathematical equations, inviting participants to submit their most visually appealing equations without regard to their mathematical significance. The discussion includes a contest format where members can vote on their favorite entries using LaTeX formatting.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose equations based on their visual appeal, such as Stokes' theorem and the Cauchy integral formula, emphasizing the beauty in their structure.
  • Others present equations like the Fibonacci sequence and the wave equation, highlighting their aesthetic qualities while also referencing their mathematical context.
  • Several participants repeatedly share the equation $$\int~e^x = f(u^n)$$, prompting discussions about its meaning and aesthetic value.
  • There are multiple mentions of the famous equation $$e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0$$, with some arguing it embodies beauty due to its simplicity and significance in mathematics.
  • Some entries, such as $$3987^{12} + 4365^{12} = 4472^{12}$$, are met with skepticism regarding their validity as aesthetic contributions, leading to discussions about the rules of the contest.
  • Participants express varying opinions on the relationship between meaning and aesthetic value, with some asserting that meaning enhances beauty while others argue for a purely aesthetic judgment.
  • Humor and light-hearted commentary are present throughout, with participants sharing personal anecdotes and playful remarks about the equations submitted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on whether aesthetic beauty can be separated from mathematical meaning, with multiple competing views remaining on this topic. The discussion includes both supportive and critical perspectives on various entries.

Contextual Notes

Some equations presented may not adhere strictly to the contest rules, leading to discussions about the validity of certain entries. Additionally, there are unresolved questions regarding the interpretation of aesthetic value in mathematical expressions.

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The goal is to create the most beautiful or interesting equation aesthetically (pleasing to the eye).
This is not about it's mathematical significance. Get your inner designer on!

  • Each member is allowed to post one equation
  • The equation can be completely made up
  • Must use LaTeX
  • Be creative!

To vote for an equation simply click the "like" button. You can vote more than once. The contest will close next Wed Sep 27th.

The winner will receive a PF T-Shirt!

ps. do not try to register new usernames for more entries or for likes. It's painfully easy to figure these out.

Have fun! Go!
 
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I find it difficult to disregard meaning when it comes to aesthetically judge an equation so I will go with Stokes’ theorem for integration of differential forms. Both for its aesthetics in terms of its integral signs, simplicity in the form of the ##\omega##s appearing on both sides, and meaning:
$$
\int_{M} d\omega = \oint_{\partial M} \omega
$$
 
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Last edited:
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This is a fun thread! I agree with @Orodruin that much of the beauty comes from the meaning; so I will go with an extension of the Cauchy integral formula.
$$\oint\frac{f(z)\;dz}{\left(z-z_{0}\right)^{n+1}}=\frac{2\pi i}{n!}f^{(n)}(z_{0})$$
 
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Here's one I like:

$$\int~e^x = f(u^n)$$

You might need to think about this one a bit ...
 
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Mark44 said:
Here's one I like:

$$\int~e^x = f(u^n)$$

You might need to think about this one a bit ...
I think I saw this on a T-shirt once. :biggrin:
 
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Mark44 said:
Here's one I like:

$$\int~e^x = f(u^n)$$

You might need to think about this one a bit ...
This is one of the few cases where the equality no longer holds if you actually perform the integral ...
 
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Mark44 said:
Here's one I like:

$$\int~e^x = f(u^n)$$

You might need to think about this one a bit ...
Finally an equation that makes sense. Looks like I have a future in mathematics after all.
 
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Mark44 said:
You might need to think about this one a bit ...
It looks difficult and unpleasant to me... :oldtongue:
 
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  • #10
OCR said:
It looks difficult and unpleasant to me... :oldtongue:
Only if you are very young and think that girls have cooties, or very old and can remember the how but not the why.
 
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  • #11
##3987^{12} + 4365^{12} = 4472^{12}##
 
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  • #12
Ygggdrasil said:
##3987^{12} + 4365^{12} = 4472^{12}##
For some strange reason I don't buy it ...
 
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  • #14
Ygggdrasil said:
Taking full advantage of rule #2
Which you are of course in your full right to do. Just saying I agree it is a valid contest entry, but not a valid actual equation. :smile:
 
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  • #15
Ygggdrasil said:
link

thanks Yggg, that is a great story
 
  • #16
Ygggdrasil said:
##3987^{12} + 4365^{12} = 4472^{12}##

Ha! Ha! Ha! (already familiar with the backstory).
 
  • #17
e + 1 = 0
 
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  • #18
ohwilleke said:
e = -1
This one is the beauty in the contest and will always win, if mathematicians are honest with their votes, I think. I like the positive form ##e^{i\pi}+1=0## a little more, as there is also the ##0## involved: top of the pop, so to say. And I really have to fight myself, because I still have two other beauties in mind ... d... rule ##1## ...
 
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  • #19
This was my mantra for a while.

e + 1 = 0
 
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  • #20
Mark44 said:
Here's one I like:

$$\int~e^x = f(u^n)$$

You might need to think about this one a bit ...
I'm willing to be the idiot and admit I don't get it.
 
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  • #21
PAllen said:
I'm willing to be the idiot and admit I don't get it.
##\int = S##
 
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  • #22
martinbn said:
Only if you are very young and think that girls have cooties arithmetic bugs* [snip...]
OCR said:
It looks difficult and unpleasant to me... :oldtongue:
You did see . :oldtongue: . right... ? .


*Definition of arithmetic bugs:

"They added to your troubles, subtracted from your pleasures, divided your attention, and multiplied like hell...!"

Lol...
 
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  • #23
This one's kinda purty:

$$1+\cfrac{1}{1+\cfrac{1}{1+\cfrac{1}{1+\cfrac{1}{1+\ddots}}}}=\sqrt{1+\sqrt{1+\sqrt{1+\sqrt{1+\cdots}}}}$$
 
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  • #24
ohwilleke said:
e + 1 = 0
You stole my profile picture :eek: (at least an equivalent form haha)
 
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  • #25
$$(\Box+\mu^2)\psi = 0$$
 
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  • #26
Extending Laurent's Theorem to algebraic functions:

$$
\begin{equation}
w_n(z)= \sum_{k=0}^{\infty} a_k (z^{1/n})^k+\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} \frac{b_k}{\left(z^{1/n}\right)^k} \\
a_k=\frac{1}{2n\pi i} \int\!\!\!\!\! 8 \frac{w_n(z)}{\left(z^{1/n}\right)^{k+n}} dz\\
b_k=\frac{1}{2n\pi i} \int\!\!\!\!\! 8 w_n(z)\left(z^{1/n}\right)^{k-n} dz
\end{equation}
$$
 
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  • #27
$$\frac{16}{64}\cdot\frac{26}{65}\cdot\frac{19}{95}\cdot\frac{49}{98} = \frac{1\!\!\!\not6}{\not64}\frac{\not2^{1}\!\!\!\not6}{\not65}\frac{1\!\!\!\not9}{\not95}\frac{\not4^{1}\!\!\!\not9}{\not9\!\!\!\not8_{\not21}}=\frac{1}{4\cdot5\cdot5}=\frac{1}{100}$$
:biggrin:
 
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  • #28
PAllen said:
I'm willing to ... admit I don't get it.
Neither do I, buddy. Neither do I. :DD
 
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  • #29
$$φ = 1 + \frac {1} {1 + {\frac {1} {1+{\frac {1} {1 + ...}}}}}$$
 
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  • #30
The vacuum Einstein equation:

$$\text{Ric} = 0 $$
 
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