MathPlus's definitions

Math as a Verb

When math learning goes beyond learning facts, figures, and applications; instead, math is humanized so that it is allowed to convey beauty, values, truth, justice, play, and love—when mathematical thinking is viewed as a way of life.

Teachers should present math as a verb, not as a noun—when students should be encouraged to be active players, not mere spectators.

by MathPlus January 8, 2019

Secret Frustration

Something that you don’t understand or doesn’t make sense why it happens to you, but you also know that God could change the situation, because He can remove that obstacle, open that closed door, or remove that temptation or addiction.

Be it a situation in your health, your finances, or a relationship, when God doesn’t seem to be intervening to turn things around, know that His grace is sufficient for every one of your secret frustrations.

by MathPlus January 6, 2019

Zeromeracy

When someone is at home with the oft-counterintuitive properties or numerical idiosyncrasies of the number zero—for example, although zero is neither positive nor negative, it behaves like an “even number.”

To appreciate the power and beauty of Calculus, one must be able to understand zero and to learn to live with it, because if zero is let loose, one can only expect chaos from the numerical troublemaker—one needs to be versed in zeromeracy to tame the “infidel number.”

by MathPlus January 6, 2019

Action

The difference between dreams and reality, because without it, the invisible cannot become visible nor can the impossible become possible.

Action is what differentiates the successful from the unsuccessful, and not so much about their IQ or family background—zero action is the worst kind of decision for failure.

by MathPlus January 5, 2019

Inflation

When even with more money today, you can only afford to buy fewer goods and services than in the past—your future buying power is reduced as basic necessities like food, water, and gas get dearer each time.

Inflation explains why the price of a math book in 1960 was 30 cents, but the same type of book today costs 30 dollars, or why a ten dollars’ worth of cookies today only cost 30 cents half a century ago.

by MathPlus January 4, 2019

Lie Tumor

When someone tries all deceitful ways to cover up any previous falsehoods, or to avoid looking incompetent, inefficient, or untrustworthy in the face of difficulties or new ethical challenges.

An unhealthy number of senior math and science editorial staff in Singapore, who are shortchanging dozens of authors and their publishers, have contracted the lie tumor, as they selfishly take up key positions that are beyond their abilities or capabilities.

by MathPlus January 3, 2019

Singapore Election

When ministers reluctantly have to kiss their voters’ asses or pretend to listen to them to get re-elected, while reminding them that if they tick the wrong party, their constituency or surrounding won’t get upgraded, or would be given the least priority.

Singapore election is generally a low-key affair, because most Opposition members of choice can’t run—they’re disqualified because of some fine, were previously jailed for illegal public gatherings, or are now bankrupt due to lawsuits filed by some ministers.

by MathPlus January 3, 2019