Numerati's definitions

Zombie Math

When canned and conventional math methods (or dated and dead ideas) live on, and anxious teachers and parents rely on old school techniques to solve word problems, especially when oft-visual problem-solving strategies are available to help students with “look-see” solutions.

Tens of thousands of American math teachers are stuck with zombie math, refusing to experiment with Singapore’s more intuitive bar model method in solving brain-unfriendly math questions.

by Numerati December 9, 2024

Pi Calculus

When π, the world’s most arguably beloved or beautiful mathematical constant, weighs the pros and cons of revealing too little or too much about herself in order to maximize her universal appeal, while minimizing any negative publicity or fallout, in popular culture.

With fierce fellow competitors like e and 𝜙 watching her every move to outwit her, it’s no surprise that π is perpetually paranoid—pi calculus remains a necessary evil for her to maintain her competitive edge.

by Numerati December 12, 2024

Growth Mindset in Mathematics

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

Singapore Math

A mélange or rojak of the best math methodologies and pedagogies from the East and the West, which has given local students in the “fine” city of Singapore an asymmetric or unfair advantage over their peers overseas—when even their weaker students fare better than the global average.

Singapore Math has sprung up a cottage industry in math education, as millions of homeschoolers worldwide realized that wallet-friendly, brain-unfriendly math titles have helped their children hone their problem-solving skills.

by Numerati December 15, 2024

Mathematical Nap

When the aftermath of overworking with too much x's and y's make someone zzz when they doze or nod off.

Prof. Ziz’s mild snore got some mean colleagues take a shot of him having a mathematical nap, which was suspected to be filled with ƶ, ƶ², …, √ƶ, ℤ.

by Numerati December 16, 2024

Boy Math

The dummy or silly logic used by half-geeky males or semi-innumerates, who think that they are getting a good deal or making a smart move from their decision or action—their faux or fuzzy logic, or bigly calculations or guesstimations, often makes them a figure of fun.

Boy math is using a dollar bill as a bookmark that costs two bucks.
Boy math is driving two hours to and fro to save twenty bucks.
Boy math is buying indexed-funds hoping to retire prematurely.

by Numerati December 18, 2024

one googolth

1/10¹⁰⁰, in numerals. The probability for the hundreds of prophecies recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible about the Messiah, Savior, or “Chosen One” to be fulfilled.

With an infinitesimal chance of one googolth that Jesus, the Son of God, would come down from heaven to earth to save mankind from eternal death is nothing short of a miracle.

by Numerati December 20, 2024