Mathematicians are expressive too

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the expressive language of mathematicians, particularly focusing on how they convey amazement and humor through mathematical terminology and symbols. Participants engage in playful exchanges about the use of the term "factorial" in everyday expressions and the implications of such expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that mathematicians could simply say "WOW" to express amazement, noting the economy and symmetry of the word.
  • Others humorously propose alternatives like "Wow factorial" to emphasize their mathematical identity.
  • A participant reflects on a humorous incident involving a TV show that listed children's ages with exclamation points, leading to a playful discussion about the implications of such representations.
  • One participant raises concerns about the need for "foolproof factorial control measures" to prevent misunderstandings in mathematical expressions, suggesting that professionals should avoid using factorial symbols incorrectly.
  • Another participant clarifies that exclamation points are not pronounced as factorials, but rather that factorials are pronounced as exclamation points, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants engage in light-hearted banter and humor, with some agreement on the playful use of mathematical language. However, there is no consensus on the best way to express amazement or the implications of using factorials in everyday language.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes playful interpretations and humorous exchanges, which may not reflect serious mathematical discourse. The use of factorials and exclamation points is treated with a mix of humor and critique, indicating a nuanced understanding of mathematical expressions.

FaustoMorales
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Mathematicians are expressive too!

Most people say things like ¨Wow!¨ to express amazement. What do mathematicians say?
 
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FaustoMorales said:
Most people say things like ¨Wow!¨ to express amazement. What do mathematicians say?

Why wouldn't they say "WOW" also? There is a certain economy and symmetry to the word, isn't there?
 


stevenb said:
Why wouldn't they say "WOW" also? There is a certain economy and symmetry to the word, isn't there?

True, although some of us still prefer to say ¨Wow factorial¨. However, I must say in our defense that we do write ¨Wow!¨ like the rest of the world:smile:
 


FaustoMorales said:
True, although some of us still prefer to say ¨Wow factorial¨. However, I must say in our defense that we do write ¨Wow!¨ like the rest of the world:smile:

Good one!

... or I should say, "Good one factorial"
 


stevenb said:
Good one!

... or I should say, "Good one factorial"

Thanks! (with Thanks > 2 to make the factorial kick in properly.)
 


FaustoMorales said:
True, although some of us still prefer to say ¨Wow factorial¨. However, I must say in our defense that we do write ¨Wow!¨ like the rest of the world:smile:

This reminds me of when I was flipping tv channels and came across a show that listed the birthdays of the children who watched it. They listed the ages next to each child's name, and right after the name, they included a, "!". Those would be some really old children, if that represented their actual ages. :smile:
 


~christina~ said:
Those would be some really old children, if that represented their actual ages. :smile:

Unbelievable! (read ¨Unbelievable factorial¨) Looks like there is some truly urgent need for foolproof factorial control measures - to prevent those less-than-competent screen editors from confusing the heck out of those among us who strive, day in and day out, to make proper use of this ultimately expressive symbol.

For example, I propose compelling these self-proclaimed ¨professionals¨ to use factorial-free keyboards. The measure should probably also include having them keep their desks clear of sharp objects at all times to prevent self-inflicted, accidental injuries. Just for good measure...
 
Last edited:


FaustoMorales said:
For example, I propose compelling these self-proclaimed ¨professionals¨ to use factorial-free keyboards. The measure should probably also include having them keep their desks clear of sharp objects at all times to prevent self-inflicted, accidental injuries. Just for good measure...

:smile: I agree.
 


You don't pronounce exclamation points as factorial. You pronounce factorials as exclamation points. So 2x+24 should be pronounced as "2x plus FOUR"
 

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