Here's a bit of a challenge for all you math whizzes

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around a math joke involving the limit of the sine function, specifically the expression \lim_{x\rightarrow0}\frac{\sin x}{x}. Participants analyze the humor derived from canceling out variables, particularly the letter "n," leading to a misunderstanding of the joke's punchline. The joke's complexity is highlighted by references to variations and meta-jokes, showcasing the intricacies of mathematical humor. The conversation also touches on related jokes and the challenges of sharing humor in a digital format.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus, specifically \lim_{x\rightarrow0}\frac{\sin x}{x}
  • Familiarity with mathematical humor and meta-jokes
  • Basic knowledge of LaTeX for mathematical expressions
  • Awareness of common mathematical puns and their variations
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced calculus concepts, particularly limits and continuity
  • Research the use of LaTeX for typesetting mathematical documents
  • Investigate the structure and types of mathematical jokes
  • Learn about the history and evolution of mathematical humor in academia
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Mathematicians, educators, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of mathematics and humor.

rhymeswithpurpl
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So my dad gave me this problem because he likes to bother me:

Explain why this is funny:
kkkkkkkkkkk.JPG


click on it to see a big picture since it won't let me do it this way :/

Does anyone get the joke?
 
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You canceled out the x and it doesn't work?
 
I don't get it.
 
\lim_{x\rightarrow0}\frac{\sin x}{x}=\lim_{x\rightarrow0}\frac{n\sin x}{nx}=\lim_{x\rightarrow0}\frac{n\sin\!\!\!\!-x\!\!\!\!-}{n\!\!\!\!-x\!\!\!\!-}=nsi

I think this joke is usually told so that an "n" cancels, changing sin x to six.
 
nealh149 said:
You canceled out the x and it doesn't work?

This response is much funnier than the original joke
 
CRGreathouse said:
I think this joke is usually told so that an "n" cancels, changing sin x to six.
some variations of that joke, i guess.
 
Office_Shredder said:
This response is much funnier than the original joke

Yes. The Meta-Joke (tm), which occurs when it becomes obvious that the joke-teller doesn't get his own joke.

- Warren
 
"nsi" is National Science Institute?
 
A joke along similar lines...
 

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  • #10
jpr0 said:
A joke along similar lines...

that one is cool
 
  • #11
fivestar said:
that one is cool

Although I can't thinl of a way to LaTeX it, short of using METAFONT.
 
  • #12
jpr0 said:
A joke along similar lines...

I laughed and tipped my fish bowl all over my dorm floor lol.
 
  • #13
HallsofIvy said:
"nsi" is National Science Institute?

Heh i was looking for something along those lines, but i was thinking national security inspectorate...
 
  • #14
Robokapp said:
I laughed and tipped my fish bowl all over my dorm floor lol.

Oh No! Did the fish die? :rolleyes:
 
  • #15
There was a thread called "Math is fun" a while ago by Equilibrium with a load of these.

If the punchline to the OP is NSI, that's a pretty crap joke - even by maths standards.
 
  • #16
Q: What's the value of a contour integral around Western Europe?
A: Zero, because all the Poles are in Eastern Europe.
 
  • #17
What's purple and commutes?
 
  • #18
J77 said:
What's purple and commutes?

What's purple, commutes, and has a limited number of worshippers?
 
  • #20
yenchin said:
Oh No! Did the fish die? :rolleyes:

bowl is shape of a sphere. Some water was left in because the hole went sidways. The fish flew out of the bowl though but no it didn't die :D

It sucks how you have to have an account to see it though, I'd love to share it with some friends but I'm too lazy to take and upload a screenshot of it...
 

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