Numerati's definitions
The math constant’s equivalent of writer’s block. When the number π frustratingly finds herself facing a blank page with zero output on her part, often spewing out a string of four-letter words.
Unlike her constant counterparts like e and 𝜙, rain or shine, π doesn’t give the excuse of pi’s block to rationalize why she’s semi-productive or unproductive on certain days.
by Numerati August 11, 2024
Get the Pi’s Blockmug. When mathepreneurs see a multi-million dollar business opportunity to provide both resources and training for tens of thousands of seniors who are eager to learn about the “bar model method”—the heart of the Singapore elementary math curriculum—in order to connect and engage with their grandchildren’s and godchildren’s math education.
Publishers and vocational training centers have been pretty slow at taking advantage of the untapped source of revenue offered by the silver bar modeling industry, especially when more seniors are enjoying a longer lifespan in fast-greying Singapore.
by Numerati October 5, 2024
Get the Silver Bar Modelingmug. The idea that math educators should focus on effort rather than on results—that failure is part of the success equation, because a set of false starts, failures, and frustrations are often necessary or unavoidable before someone could experience some degree of mathematical progress or achievement.
To fail is no shame, but failure to try again often is. A growth mindset in mathematics is to try or fail again, while failing better or faster each time.
by Numerati December 14, 2024
Get the Growth Mindset in Mathematicsmug. When a white supremacist or/and chauvinist suspects that an ill-posed or poorly worded math question, or for that matter any mathematical faux pas, big or small, most likely comes from a woman/person of color/immigrant/LBGTQ.
While a team of math educators-turned-inspectors are still investigating the source of the “confusing” test question that led thousands of students into frustration or panic, the Blamer-in-Chief attributes it to a DEI math problem.
by Numerati January 31, 2025
Get the DEI Mathmug. A humanist manifesto that brings together mathematicians and math educators around the globe to promote the message that math, in particular pi, must be humanized and inclusive rather than indifferent and elitist.
In an age of AI, where machines could spread π misinformation and disinformation, it’s of paramount importance that movements like “Pi Needs You!” reside in the mathematical consciousness of an oft-semi-innumerate lay public.
by Numerati January 5, 2025
Get the Pi Needs You!mug. Communities and countries (or schools and states) around the globe with the highest and lowest levels of adoption of the Singapore math curriculum, or part of it—which incorporates the best methodologies and pedagogies from both the East and the West—with some demographic or racial groups more receptive to embracing this alien math program than others.
The geography of Singapore math reveals a strong support among American homeschoolers and white middle-class families, who order tens of thousands of math titles every year from the “fine” city-state.
by Numerati April 7, 2025
Get the The Geography of Singapore Mathmug. When there is a hidden element of π residing in all humans (or maybe even animals), whether they know it or not, regardless of their experience of school math—that pi-mind consciousness that intuitively seems to be guided by some Higher Being to convey new insights about the “sacred number” to humanity or any living entity.
When someone puts themselves in a Zen-like or transcendental state, the chances of them experiencing “The pi in me” aha! are higher than when they’re constantly being bombarded with a deluge of sensory input.
by Numerati March 22, 2025
Get the The Pi in Memug.