MathPlus's definitions

Holy Pi

When the number π self-proclaims to be God’s “anointed” number, because it is the most famous constant in the whole of mathematics—no number has had such an impact on popular culture that even some mathophobic folks wouldn’t mind tattooing it conspicuously to look mathematically cool in the same way that unbelievers wear a cross to appear religious.

Because π is the beloved symbol of choice for millions of people worldwide, or even deified by some pi fanatics and numerologists, it’s not preposterous for the “sacred number” to be conferred the title of “Holy Pi.”

by MathPlus May 28, 2021

Mask Hysteria

When some countries insist that their citizens continue to don a mask in public squares even if they have been fully vaccinated just in case they might still get infected or reinfected or infect others, although the chances of that happening are pretty low—their non-scientific decisions are often based on intuition or overcaution or irrational fear.

With vaccination in full swing in many developed countries, and with declining infection and mortality rates, isn’t it mere mask hysteria that authorities mandate that inoculated folks continue to wear masks both indoor and outdoor for the sake of those who refuse or have yet to be jabbed?

by MathPlus June 23, 2021

Bat Math

Brain-unfriendly or fiendish math questions that leverage on the public’s mixed attitude vis-à-vis the oft-feared bat, which has so far received bad publicity or negative press in the aftermath of unproven claims that it was the vector for the coronavirus pandemic.

Two examples of bat math are:
a) Today is Friday the 13th. Trump’s spiritual guide recommends that he should drink the blood of a bat 666 days from today to live a "normal” life free from nightmares and demonic attacks. What day of the week would he perform that dreaded ritual?
b) Given that 🦠 + 🦇= 76 and 🦠 × 🦇 = 19, what is the value of 1/🦠 + 1/🦇?
Answers: a) Saturday b) 4.

by MathPlus April 17, 2021

MAGA

Short for “Make America Godly Again.” A mantra preached by a group of evangelical pastors, who had brainwashed diehard supporters of Trump, the “anointed one,” by proclaiming that there exists a parallel between Trump and Jesus, who have both come to deliver and save them—they need to stand up for Trump, who had selfishly used religious leaders as pawns and disinformation to incite an insurrection.

Evangelical leaders who risk losing (or have sold) their souls for grasping political power are preaching Trumpism or white supremacy under the flag of Christian nationalism—aren’t their preaching the political slogan MAGA, instead of the Magi, a stumbling block to millions of pre-believers of Christianity?

by MathPlus January 22, 2021

Wi-Fi Idol

When someone spends an inordinate amount of time daily to keep themselves hooked to the internet that a slight withdrawal from social networks could trigger a “digital fit” in them, which would adversely affect their well-being.

Instead of treating the Wi-Fi as a blessing rather than a curse, Jane has allowed the Wi-fi idol to enslave her to the point that she’d need to go for spiritual deliverance to free her from digital addiction.

by MathPlus September 12, 2018

No Sorry, Be on Time

When being late has become such a bad habit or perpetual sin among lots of selfish people that it is easier to apologize for making everybody wait for them than make the effort to being on time.

Saying sorry is conveniently easy and seldom comes with a penalty, but planning their time to be punctual is pretty hard for an unhealthy number of folks—for them, “no sorry, be on time” sounds like Greek to them.

by MathPlus December 22, 2018

Living with Covid-19

An acknowledgment that we have to respect rather than reject the virus—we needn’t be petrified or paralyzed by the pandemic, but we must not lose sight of the danger the virus poses, which could result in death, in the event of infection or reinfection (with or without vaccination).

After governments realized that “Zero Covid” wasn’t feasible, they reluctantly shifted their strategy to “Living with Covid-19,” as their populations reach endemicity and hopefully achieve herd immunity in a-not-too-distant future.

by MathPlus March 11, 2022