What's the perfect mathematical formula for my next tattoo?

[SamirS]

So I already have two molecules (chemically valid, the artistic interpretation never overrides that validity!) which have a very special meaning to me tatooed on my left and right shoulder.

I'm still very much a beginner, only starting to study physics, however I do understand a fair bit of it and math already.

As a representation of that, I want to have one formula tatooed. It should represent a deep insight, it should be mathematically beautiful and also pleasing to the eye (have a kind of optically aesthetic harmony). E=mc² is too cliche, but I'm considering it. Euler's identity is also a candidate.

So I hope you have some ideas and/or recommendations for me, and I'll post pictures when it's done, of course!

 

[lisab]

I think if you study physics a while, you'll inevitably come across a formula that makes you just come to a full stop and say, holy crap!

Like, Bell's Inequality...that one got me

But it's very personal - what does it for one person may not do it for another.

 

[lisab]

PS what are your molecules?

 

[KingNothing]

Perhaps you could get a tattoo of an empty command prompt "> " as you wait for our input.

 

[SamirS]

If you're interested, send me a PM, I'd rather answer that question privately :)

Well, so far Euler's Identity just hit me like a rock. I knew it as text (not knowing the meaning), but after I learned the things behind it, and THEN looking at it again, well, the sense of awe how much beauty lies there...

In physics it is actually E=mc² so far, it's simple, fundamental, and I'll definitely put it in ink, too - I'm rather just collecting ideas right now :)

 

[SamirS]

Unintended Doublepost

 

[micromass]

The absolute, most beautiful mathematical formula is the following for me:

\prod_{p~\text{prime}}{\frac{1}{1-p^{-2}}}=\frac{\pi^2}{6}

Why is this formula beautiful? On the left-hand side, you have prime numbers, which is defined by divisibility of the integers. On the right-hand side is pi, which is defined as some relation in the circle. Now, what do circles and prime numbers have to do with each other?? Nothing (on first glance), however they are connected by the above pretty formula. The formula is a deep connection of algebra and geometry, and that's why I like it so much!

 

[Drakkith]

How about the beginnings of the proton-proton chain leading up to a helium nucleus? (4 Protons converging in an X formation with an alpha particle in the center) You would have the power of a star in your skin!

 

[1MileCrash]

I'm almost certain I will get euler's identity tatooed on my arm.

 

[KrisOhn]

Euler's identity is also a candidate.

If you think e=mc^2 is too cliche, stay away from this. Everyone and their dog has this tattooed on them. I'm not even sure that they understand why it is such an important identity to be honest, sure it is pretty and all but bestowing such a high importance on something to have it tattooed on your body entirely because of its beauty seems kind of daft to me. It's like saying a very beautiful super model who has contributed nothing to society has more worth than someone who contributes lots. It's what the identity demonstrates and says that makes it truly beautiful in my mind and that is what I think a lot of these people don't understand.Hmm, harmless post turned rant.

 

[pergradus]

I'm almost certain I will get euler's identity tatooed on my arm.

don't! I never liked eulers identity. The result is pretty, but the derivation is ugly and crude IMO.

My favorite equation is Faraday's Law, but Maxwell's equations are soooooooooooo cliche.

 

[Borek]

\prod_{p~\text{prime}}{\frac{1}{1-p^{-2}}}=\frac{\pi^2}{6}

:!) Pretty! Any name to that, or is it just a... formula?

 

[fillipeano]

Everyone has their favorites...Still tryin to figure out what mine is. Need...More...Tattoos..

 

[BobG]

Go with this one, kind of wrapped around your arm, with the portion on the front of your arm blue, slowly shifting to red by time it reaches the back of your arm:

f=\left( \frac{v+v_r}{v+v_{s}} \right) f_o \,

 

[dlgoff]

So I already have two molecules (chemically valid, the artistic interpretation never overrides that validity!) which have a very special meaning to me tatooed on my left and right shoulder.

I'm still very much a beginner, only starting to study physics, however I do understand a fair bit of it and math already.

As a representation of that, I want to have one formula tatooed. It should represent a deep insight, it should be mathematically beautiful and also pleasing to the eye (have a kind of optically aesthetic harmony). E=mc² is too cliche, but I'm considering it. Euler's identity is also a candidate.

So I hope you have some ideas and/or recommendations for me, and I'll post pictures when it's done, of course!

You may want to take a look at this thread started by chroot. I don't know if he ever got one but there are a lot of ideas here.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=180444"

 

[1t_w1ll_bl33d]

i agree with pergradus. something about faraday's law that just does it for me. no, she's not witty, she's probably not the prettiest belle at the ball, but she knows how to rock what she does have and i dig that.

 

[1MileCrash]

The absolute, most beautiful mathematical formula is the following for me:

\prod_{p~\text{prime}}{\frac{1}{1-p^{-2}}}=\frac{\pi^2}{6}

Why is this formula beautiful? On the left-hand side, you have prime numbers, which is defined by divisibility of the integers. On the right-hand side is pi, which is defined as some relation in the circle. Now, what do circles and prime numbers have to do with each other?? Nothing (on first glance), however they are connected by the above pretty formula. The formula is a deep connection of algebra and geometry, and that's why I like it so much!

Really, what is this?

 

[Drakkith]

How about "0.999... = 1"

 

[Hurkyl]

:!) Pretty! Any name to that, or is it just a... formula?

I don't know if it has a name -- I would just call it zeta(2).

 

[fillipeano]

Some great ideas in here.
Some...Not so great ideas >.>
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/science-tattoo-emporium/

 

[BloodyFrozen]

:!) Pretty! Any name to that, or is it just a... formula?

There is definitely a name for this formula. I just can't recall atm. I'll go find it.

EDIT I remember it was proved by Euler

EDIT #2 ------ Found it!

It's called the basel problem

Here is the link to where Euler solved it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basel_problem

Scroll down to the part where "Euler Attacks the Problem"


Wait... This isn't exactly it, but it has the same result.

 

[Borek]

Wait... This isn't exactly it, but it has the same result.

Quite different I would say, Basel problem formula looks (in a way) trivial compared to the one micromass posted. In one case summation goes through natural numbers, in other case product goes through primes.

 

[physics girl phd]

Quite different I would say, Basel problem formula looks (in a way) trivial compared to the one micromass posted. In one case summation goes through natural numbers, in other case product goes through primes.

I guess if the OP is looking for a conversation piece, one's been found.

I personally just always wanted an organ donor indicator tattoo of some form, in some hidden spot that would be seen by medical workers, to make my last wishes known (although the spouse and I have discussed this in detail already and are in agreement).

 

[BloodyFrozen]

Quite different I would say, Basel problem formula looks (in a way) trivial compared to the one micromass posted. In one case summation goes through natural numbers, in other case product goes through primes.

True,True.

 

[SamirS]

Guys,

thanks a lot for your help. I've also browsed the links and I think I know what it will be. It won't be Euler's, and also not E=mc² ;) .

I've sorted out three different ones and are trying out designs in Photoshop and the next step is taking them to the artist to see which one fits best and decide on that basis. I'll post pictures when it's finished.

The red/blue shift post also gave me some interesting ideas!

As the two different molecules are on the left and right shoulder, respectively, and wrap around the delta to the pectoralis on the front and the teres major on the back, the formula (my criteria are a lot like chroot's except the size isn't as limited) will connect the molecules.

I don't want it to be visible to anyone in a t-shirt (just like my other tatoos are hidden as well) because it's more of a personal thing than a "hey I'm so clever, I'll even tatoo my IQ"-thing.

 

[MATLABdude]

As a representation of that, I want to have one formula tatooed.

Whatever you choose for your tattoo, I'd make sure to spell check any writing and/or double check the formula...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/28/misspelled-tattoos-perman_n_439993.html