MathPlus's definitions

Math in the Dark

When problem solving with the lights off could help trigger your imaginary thinking, which could be a catalyst to experiencing that aha! moment in producing a creative or elegant solution to a wicked math problem.

Guesstimate many math educators worldwide could get their imaginations light up if they decided to do math in the dark—when darkness triggers their intuition for that long-awaited lateral solution.

by MathPlus October 12, 2021

MASKHØLE

Someone who grudgingly wears a face mask in public after being fined at least once for failing to do so previously.

After being fined $300 for her first offense and $1,000 for her second offense for refusing to wear a mask in public, Arna is now a repentant maskhøle, who has been

warned that a third offense would land her behind bars.

by MathPlus March 13, 2021

Covid-𝛿

Read as “Covid-delta.” Also known as the B.1.617.2 or “Delta” variant. The Indian variant, which is responsible for the second, third, or fourth wave now sweeping many countries, carries 2.61 times the risk of hospitalization within 14 days compared to the UK’s “Alpha” variant.

A recent study shows that 73% of Covid-𝛿 cases are in unvaccinated people, compared to only 3.7% in people who have been fully jabbed, which suggests that it pays to be inoculated to avoid being infected or reinfected.

by MathPlus June 18, 2021

Pi Slices of Pie

When some math geeks celebrate their birthday by having each half of their cake cut into four pieces, with three of them each having an arc length equal to the radius of the cake.

Deduce that pi slices of pie leads to the fact that “2π radians = 360 degrees.”

by MathPlus February 6, 2021

Paint by Numbers

The artistic equivalent of ordering a McDonald’s meal instead of going through the hassle of doing your own cooking at home.

Just as you can enjoy the food prepared by a gourmet chef even if you’re a hopeless cook, so you can appreciate a piece of art even if you’re clumsy at handling a “Paint by Numbers” kit.

by MathPlus January 8, 2019

Fake News

Donald Trump’s pet word for any article or broadcast that exposes his white lies and shady deals, or for anyone who refuses to make him appear smarter or richer than he genuinely is.

Thanks to President Trump, “fake news” will probably be his most memorable presidential legacy long after he’s been impeached and imprisoned for branding that phrase in popular culture.

by MathPlus February 1, 2019

Dog Diplomacy

North Korea’s use of dogs as diplomatic gifts to other countries—dogs are treated as national treasures in the land of Fatty Kim the Third.

Dictator-murderer Kim Jong-un sent two dogs to South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, in a bid to promote peace between the two frenemies—will Kim’s dog diplomacy charm his counterpart, who has been acting as a mediator between him and US president-dictator Donald Trump?

by MathPlus November 25, 2018