MathPlus's definitions

Pi Trance

When autistic folks or idiot savants claim that hours-long meditation on the digits of the decimal number π puts them in some kind of hypnotic state, thus allowing their mind’s eye to see sexy numerical relationships, or kaleidoscopic geometric shapes linked to the “sacred” digits of the transcendental pi in hyperspace.

Pure mathematicians or number theorists obsessed with the beautiful properties of π love to indulge themselves in pi trance activities, hoping to experience a few aha! moments in the process.

by MathPlus July 13, 2021

2π

The number of times the circumference of a circle is more than the radius of the circle.

If a radian is defined as the angle formed by an arc length of a circle subtended at the center that is equal to its radius, then there are 2π radians, or 2π radii, that fit around the circumference of the circle. In other words, 360° equals 2π radians, or one radian is 180°/π, which is about 57.3°.

by MathPlus January 21, 2021

Tower User

A power user of toilet paper in a family, who selfishly expects the other members to replace the last roll each time, when they should be the one to do this dirty job at home.

Tally is the tower user who notoriously uses the last toilet roll until there are barely any sheets left for her family members to wipe their backsides.

by MathPlus December 29, 2018

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

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

Covid-🤝

When people are advised to avoid handshakes to lower the risk of getting infected with Covid-19, but urged to think of alternative ways to greet one another—for instance, they could bump elbows; embrace the Thai wai and say hi in prayer-like posture; or use the “footshake.”

Guesstimate how many handshake alternatives have emerged worldwide to combat Covid-🤝.

by MathPlus June 29, 2022