Can you help me find an equation that equals 25 for my son's birthday cake?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a mathematical equation that equals 25, intended for a birthday cake. Participants explore various mathematical expressions, including integrals, roots, and sums, while considering the significance of the numbers involved in relation to the birthday celebration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a long equation that equals 25 for a birthday cake.
  • Another participant suggests using the integral \(\int_{0}^{5}2xdx\) as a potential solution.
  • A different participant proposes the square root of \(5^4\) as a succinct option.
  • Another suggestion includes using \(5^2\) to keep the numbers '2' and '5' prominent.
  • One participant offers a more complex equation involving a sum and an integral: \(\sum_{n = 0}^\infty \frac{1}{2^n} - 2e^{5i \pi} +\int_2^5 2xdx\).
  • Another participant expands on this by introducing variations with additional terms and emphasizing the importance of sign and notation in the equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple equations and approaches, with no consensus on a single best solution. Various expressions are proposed, reflecting differing preferences for complexity and style.

Contextual Notes

Some equations involve assumptions about convergence and the interpretation of complex numbers, which may not be universally understood or accepted. The discussion does not resolve these mathematical nuances.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in creative mathematical expressions, particularly for celebratory contexts, or those looking for unique ways to represent numbers in a fun manner.

starphlo
Not sure where to put this...Could anyone give me a long equation to equal 25? I would like to put it on my son's birthday cake. He will be studying physics this fall in college. Thank you very much!
 
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Since no one else has replied, just do this:

\int_{0}^{5}2xdx
 
How about the square root of 5^4.

\sqrt{5^4}

That should fit on a birthday cake quite succinctly :smile:

Edit: Marne's is pretty good too.
 
Since he's going to be 25 years old, keeping the numbers '2' and '5' as the predominate numerals could be good.

For something really succinct, you might just try

5^2

Or if you want to get even crazier, you might try something like (slightly borrowing from MarneMath)

\sum_{n = 0}^\infty \frac{1}{2^n} - 2e^{5i \pi} +\int_2^5 2xdx
 
Last edited:
Or, throwing in a few more 2s and 5s,

\frac{5}{2}\sum_{n = 0}^\infty \frac{1}{2^n} - e^{(2)(5)i \pi} +\int_2^5 2xdx

Or, if you prefer, \frac{5}{2}\sum_{n = 0}^\infty \frac{1}{2^n} + e^{25 i \pi} +\int_2^5 2xdx

Be mindful of matching the "+" vs "-" and the "(2)(5)" vs "25" in each of the "e" term of each formula. It makes a difference.
 

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