Is 2+2 Really Equal to 5? The Surprising Answer Inside!

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Erdem
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around the humorous assertion that 2+2 equals 5, which is categorically incorrect. Participants, including Warren and Erdem, clarify that this equation is a joke, referencing links that highlight its comedic nature. The conversation also touches on cultural references, notably the Radiohead album "Hail To The Thief," which features the phrase as a nod to George Orwell's "1984." The consensus is that 2+2=4 remains a fundamental truth in mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic arithmetic principles
  • Familiarity with George Orwell's "1984"
  • Knowledge of Radiohead's discography, particularly "Hail To The Thief"
  • Awareness of humor in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the mathematical implications of humor in educational contexts
  • Research the cultural impact of Orwell's "1984" on modern media
  • Analyze the themes of Radiohead's "Hail To The Thief" album
  • Investigate the role of satire in mathematics education
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and fans of pop culture who are interested in the intersection of mathematics, literature, and music.

Erdem
[SOLVED] 2+2=5 really?

i saw this somewhere.
is it correct
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Of course not.

- Warren
 
Sometimes the obvious is true. 2+2=4, not 5.
 
check it then

http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/imawww/pages/humor/twoandtwo.html

http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/coder/60f5/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Okay, when a website's title is "Humor in der Mathematik," you can be pretty sure it's not real. Both links you provided are jokes.

- Warren
 
Originally posted by Erdem
check it then

http://www.kfunigraz.ac.at/imawww/pages/humor/twoandtwo.html

http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/coder/60f5/

2+2=5
For extremely large values of 2.

LOL, those are some funny links, Erdem, thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Do you mean that "Houston Euler" is not a real mathematician?
 
Back in High School we used to say "Euler's number" = five quarts.
 
I first heard of the equation when reading 1984 . . .
 
  • #10
Does anybody ever keep up with pop culture?

You probably saw the

2 + 2 = 5

equation on the back of the new Radiohead album called "Hail To The Thief."

I think they relesed the single in the UK last week so you can go buy it if you want!
 
  • #11
The radiohead single was an obvious allusion to the Orwellian novel
 
  • #12
Originally posted by Shahil


Does anybody ever keep up with pop culture?

You probably saw the

2 + 2 = 5

equation on the back of the new Radiohead album called "Hail To The Thief."

I think they relesed the single in the UK last week so you can go buy it if you want!
a great song by a great preapocolyptic math rock band. finally got to see them live this summer. it was a euphoric experience.
 
  • #13
Originally posted by chroot
Okay, when a website's title is "Humor in der Mathematik," you can be pretty sure it's not real. Both links you provided are jokes.

- Warren
I don't speak German. What does "humor" mean?
 
  • #14
Good question russ_watters. Last time I checked, I think it was some sort of body fluid.
 

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