Random
Source Code

Pi as Propaganda

When the number π is used to draw attention to herself through posters, banners, and graffiti in public places, because these oft-powerful images can influence or change people’s minds about the mathematical constant.

Unlike other noteworthy but struggling constants like e and 𝜙, π has continually succeeded to be part of popular culture, because she believes that “pi as propaganda” is an effective marketing tool to remain relevant in the minds of both math and nonmath people.

by Numerati November 24, 2024


The Grobalization of Singapore Math

When both local and foreign math publishers in Singapore—with the backing of government-linked businesses or organizations, and positive feedback from thousands of homeschoolers overseas—aim to influence or impose their ways of teaching and learning elementary school math around the world—they desire to grow in power and profits to an eager global audience that is keen to emulate Singapore’s math success at home.

Just as the principles of McDonaldization has been applied to the church and religion, mathepreneurs aren’t shy to apply the grobalization of Singapore math to colonize math education around the globe.

by Numerati June 21, 2025


Pi’s Block

The math constant’s equivalent of writer’s block. When the number π frustratingly finds herself facing a blank page with zero output on her part, often spewing out a string of four-letter words.

Unlike her constant counterparts like e and 𝜙, rain or shine, π doesn’t give the excuse of pi’s block to rationalize why she’s semi-productive or unproductive on certain days.

by Numerati August 11, 2024


Alien Pi

When a mean neighbor had come in the middle of the night, while you were away, to mow your lawn flattened in the shape of the number π, which your consoling community claimed to be a “crop circle” signifying an advanced civilization, most likely caused by some extraterrestrial visitors.

Mr. Paulos made a police report about his lawn probably being vandalized by some inconsiderate alien pi forces.

by Numerati November 13, 2023


Null Island

Located at zero longitude and zero latitude (or at 0 degrees north and 0 degrees east) in the South Atlantic Ocean—where the prime meridian meets the equator—where it would be if it actually existed.

Null Island is a mélange of real and imaginary geography, of mathematical certainty, and pure fantasy.

by Numerati September 29, 2024


Working Out Pi

When both professional and amateur mathematicians worldwide go beyond calculating the number π to billions of digits to often set up world records—their effective algorithms or methods or formulas used to achieve these high-precision calculations also directly or indirectly help usher in new developments in mathematics.

The mathematical brethren’s quest for working out pi is like MAGA patriots doing all they can to ensure that their cult leader gets reelected by any means, legal or not.

by Numerati February 10, 2025


Mathematical Slowies

Non-trick or non-tricky math questions that you can do at your snail’s pace without worry or fear of having to sit for any killer test or exam—they are recommended for self-confessed folks who pride themselves of being “hopeless at math,” or not being born with the “math gene.”

Mathematical slowies are the opposite of “mathematical quickies,” which are generally solved with some insight, and often accompanied by an occasional aha! reaction.

by Numerati January 19, 2025