MathPlus's definitions

Algebra

A subject that teaches us how to know what we don’t know, by using letters and symbols to represent things that we don’t know in order to find their values based on things we do know, and some mathematical principles or rules.

Algebra is the language scientists speak in engineering, physics, and artificial intelligence.

by MathPlus May 19, 2021

X

A label used during the coronavirus pandemic to warn anyone in public squares or in social circles that the marked empty space or seat cannot be occupied to minimize the odds of them being infected.

A geeky Covidiot argued with the police that he occupied the space marked with X, because he’d figured out that the distance between him and the next person was more than six feet away, so he’s in no way breaking any social distancing rules, or endangering other people’s lives.

by MathPlus December 28, 2020

The Four “F” Words in Math

FEAR of not understanding the new math concepts.

FRUSTRATION in struggling to make sense of the concepts.

FATIGUE from mental stress and emotional pain in grasping the concepts.

FAILURE in mastering and applying the concepts.

Winners have not only banned the four-letter F-word from their vocabulary when faced with the most disliked school subject, but they have also refused to let the four “F” words in math rent a space in their minds.

by MathPlus January 8, 2018

Immoral Algebra

When a dishonest seller uses their finger or hand or some other means to tilt one side of a weighing balance to make the left and right sides of the scales look balanced to cheat the customer—a weight balance is often used as a metaphor for an algebraic equation.

God, the Great Mathematician, dislikes immoral algebra, but delights in accurate weights or honest scales.

by MathPlus May 19, 2021

Mindful Math

Also known as “New Age Math.” When the buzzword “mindful” subliminally conveys the idea that one can master the most disliked school subject, by cultivating a relaxed mind for the brain to focus on what is required in a math question—a mind-over-math approach via meditation and relaxation to reduce fear and failure.

The math education industry hasn’t been spared by the Mindfulness Movement, which is promoting “Mindful Math” programs countrywide to target the math-anxious kids of the rich and the famous—they’re preaching the feel-good gospel that math success is more psychological than logical.

by MathPlus February 7, 2018

Pi Crusade

When some Trumpublicans are prepared to accommodate the request of creationists or evangelicals turned Bible-literalists to legislate the value of π as 3 (in reference to 1 Kings 7:23 and 2 Chronicles 4:2 in the Bible) rather than the approximated 3.14, in exchange for their “holy votes.”

Like their Pharisee-in-Chief boss, who was hell-bent to carry out a pi crusade in a failed attempt to get re-elected, a number of morally bankrupt lawmakers would like to do likewise if tens of thousands of extra votes would swing in their favor to retain their seats.

by MathPlus July 7, 2021

Coronials

The generation of babies who saw the light of day during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the coronavirus showing little sign of saying goodbye to earthlings, much to the delight of pharmaceutical companies.

What will be the population size of the coronials when the WHO finally declares the planet corona-free?

by MathPlus December 11, 2022