Which equation would you tattoo in your body?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the idea of which mathematical or physical equations participants would consider tattooing on their bodies, focusing on personal significance and aesthetic appeal rather than actual intentions to get a tattoo. The discussion includes various equations from different fields, including mathematics and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a reluctance to tattoo equations, citing concerns about appearing pretentious or not being perceived as intelligent.
  • One participant suggests that any equation chosen should be well understood and concise, warning against complex equations like Einstein's Field equations due to potential notation errors.
  • A participant proposes the equation \(\sum_{p~\text{prime}}\frac{1}{1-p^{-2}} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}\) as their favorite, highlighting the surprising connection between prime numbers and \(\pi\), although another participant corrects this to the product form.
  • Several participants mention simpler equations, such as the quadratic formula and the Pythagorean theorem, as meaningful choices for a tattoo.
  • Another participant expresses interest in the equation \(e^{i\pi} = -1\) due to its aesthetic appeal and significance in mathematics.
  • Other equations mentioned include \(\nabla \cdot \vec{B}=\rho_{0}\) and a couple of more complex expressions related to dynamics, though one participant notes they are not the tattoo type.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on whether they would actually get a tattoo of an equation, with some firmly against the idea while others entertain it hypothetically. There is no consensus on a specific equation that would be universally chosen for a tattoo.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect personal preferences and aesthetic considerations rather than technical correctness, and there are corrections regarding the mathematical forms of the proposed equations.

Casco
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Write your equation and a reason why would you tattoo it in your body.

Not necessarily means that you are going to do it. This is just an imaginary situation. Please just write a comment answering the question above, if do not, just do not write other kind of commentaries. I do not want this to become a discussion about if you would do or do not do a tattoo of equations.
 
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None. And if I did get a tattoo, it wouldn't be an equation, cause I'd think people would think I'm trying too hard to look smart. And it would be pretty awkward when they find out that I'm not smart.
 


I had better be one that you understand quite well, so you can explain it without trouble. (Just a suggestion.) And it should be concise. Not a great idea to have Einstein's Field equations tattooed on your back, unless you trust the artist not to screw up the notation...
 


turbo said:
I had better be one that you understand quite well, so you can explain it without trouble. (Just a suggestion.) And it should be concise. Not a great idea to have Einstein's Field equations tattooed on your back, unless you trust the artist not to screw up the notation...

leroyjenkens said:
None. And if I did get a tattoo, it wouldn't be an equation, cause I'd think people would think I'm trying too hard to look smart. And it would be pretty awkward when they find out that I'm not smart.

I changed the post, please read it again. I am sorry that I did not specify.
 
Not that I would ever do it (sorry to the OP :smile: ),but if I would then it would be

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

This my favorite math formula because it relates two (apparent) complete distinct fields of mathematics.

On the left, we have the prime numbers. They have to do with number theory and arithmetic.
On the left, we have \pi which comes from geometry.

There is nothing which suggests why these two could be related. But they are! These deep and surprising connection on math is what makes it such a beautiful field to study.
 
I think you mean:
\prod_{p-prime}\frac{1}{1-p^{-2}} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}
 
phyzguy said:
I think you mean:
\prod_{p-prime}\frac{1}{1-p^{-2}} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}

Of course I did :redface: Imagine me getting a tattoo of the sum version...
 


Casco said:
I changed the post, please read it again. I am sorry that I did not specify.

Ok, I should have known that's what you meant.

On one hand, I would want a cool looking one, but on the other hand, I would want something that means a lot to me.
The quadratic formula and the pathagorean formula are the simplest ones that have been most useful to me, so I would probably get either one of those.
Or I would get that one formula which includes e, pi, and i, which is pretty cool.
 


leroyjenkens said:
Or I would get that one formula which includes e, pi, and i, which is pretty cool.

ei π = -1

I've always liked that one.

The fundamental theorem of calculus might be cool.

I'll think about it more, not that I'd ever get a math tattoo though. I'd almost be inclined to pick one that looks intricate / pretty rather than one of the famous equations like Euler.
 
  • #10
  • #11
My avatar
 
  • #12
\nabla \cdot \vec{B}=\rho_{0}

This would be nice, even if it is not true.
 
  • #13
<<- i is not real ->>
Meaning Re(i) = 0.
 
  • #14
Not the tattoo type, but perhaps:
C_{m_{\alpha}} = -C_{l_{\alpha}}\left(\bar{x}_{AC}-\bar{x}_{CG}\right)
or
\frac{^\mathcal{N}\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}t}\mathbf{r} = \frac{^\mathcal{B}\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}t}\mathbf{r} + \boldsymbol{\omega}_{\mathcal{B}/\mathcal{N}} \times \mathbf{r}
 
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