MathPlus's definitions

Phi

Also known as B.1.618. The name of the WHO’s yet-to-be-approved label for the sexier and deadlier variant of Covid-19 that arguably exhibits both beauty and symmetry, because the ratio measurements of certain parts of the coronavirus approach the golden ratio—some nickname the variant of interest the “golden variant.”

Where phi first originated, how many countries have so far identified it in their population, and its resistance against the vaccines remain unknown.

by MathPlus October 6, 2021

Covid-1984

When corona skeptics, vaccine conspiracy theorists, and those opposed to mandatory vaccines and masks, who claim that any lockdown is causing "more harm than the virus,” stage public rallies to challenge the authorities for infringing their rights and controlling their lives—1984 is a novel by English novelist George Orwell, which examines how facts and truth are politically manipulated by dictators or rogue leaders.

Protesters in the UK are holding placards that says that “Covid-1984 is being used for political purposes and public control.”

by MathPlus October 14, 2020

Urban Pi

Irreverent or politically incorrect math definitions on and about the number π, most of which stand zero chance of ever being published in a school textbook, because they are deemed inappropriate or unsuitable to the immature or puritan mind, or to those with a poor sense of humor.

How could pi enthusiasts be deprived of a lexicon of urban pi terms or phrases just because some of them are allegedly blasphemous or irreligious or preposterous?

by MathPlus May 24, 2021

Coronanoia

When you feel paranoiac of catching the coronavirus from someone who coughs, talks loudly on their smartphone, or walks around without a face mask in public squares.

Be it on a train, in a supermarket, or at a hawker center, it’d not be surprising that a large proportion of people suffer from a mild form of coronanoia.

by MathPlus February 13, 2021

Father’s Day in a Pandemic

When the most important day of the year for millions of earthly fathers in pre-pandemic days is already low key or an almost a non-event, unlike Mother’s Day that looks more like a year long affair— Father’s Day has taken a back seat in human or family relationship during this coronavirus crisis, when eating or dining out is forbidden in many parts of the world that are experiencing their second, third, or fourth wave.

This year, ironically or sadly speaking, in a number of liberal countries, Father’s Day in a pandemic is being celebrated in homes where the child is looked after by two dads rather than one—it’s Fathers’ Day, or Father’s Day 2.0, that would test the moral or social fabric of Generation Y or Z in coming decades.

by MathPlus June 19, 2021

Scaramucci Number

A palindrome number that is divisible by 11, such as 121, 1331, and 123,456,787,654,321—a "mirror number" that is a multiple of 11.

Anthony worked at the White House for almost a Scaramucci number of hours, before he's fired.

by MathPlus August 6, 2017

2020 Vision

When the mind’s eye could see clearly how fake, irresponsible, or inept political leaders’ selfish actions (and inactions) led to the world’s failure to contain the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

In the aftermath of many leaders’ fake 2020 vision, even with vaccination presently being rolled out in many developed countries, life in 2021 is unlikely to return to its pre-pandemic days.

by MathPlus January 5, 2021