Definitions by Numerati
Mathematical Slowies
Non-trick or non-tricky math questions that you can do at your snail’s pace without worry or fear of having to sit for any killer test or exam—they are recommended for self-confessed folks who pride themselves of being “hopeless at math,” or not being born with the “math gene.”
Mathematical slowies are the opposite of “mathematical quickies,” which are generally solved with some insight, and often accompanied by an occasional aha! reaction.
Mathematical Slowies by Numerati January 19, 2025
Meta-pi
When the number π perpetually ponders about “π”—whether she could forever command trust and respect among fellow numerical constants and in the mathematical community so that they would always think of her first.
The Democratization of Singapore Math
When more and more countries around the globe are fast embracing the Singapore math curriculum, or part of it, so as not to be left behind educationally and economically, as they copycat or emulate the best educational practices used by local math educators and tiger parents, who have helped put the “fine” city of Singapore on the world’s math education map.
Like the democratization of music, the democratization of Singapore math ought to force math educators in the city-state to embrace the courage imperative, by turning barriers into breakthroughs, or obstacles into opportunities, if they want to maintain an asymmetric advantage over their counterparts in other high GDP economies.
The Democratization of Singapore Math by Numerati January 14, 2025
Pi Calling
When the number π is hinting to math educators worldwide to turn the wealth of wisdom about her, which has been unearthed over the centuries by thousands of men and women of mathematics, to launch or produce “new” math products that would help them generate a new or rich source of income.
Mathepreneur Ian has identified a few game-changing ideas that have laid hidden in quiet cul-de-sacs in both academia and in publishing houses—he’s doing nothing new but answering to pi calling.
Pi Calling by Numerati January 14, 2025
The Half-Life of Singapore Math
The time it takes for the bar model method, the heart and soul of Singapore math, to become a common feature in most math curriculums around the world, which implicitly means that it no longer holds the competitive edge over other developed nations in math education.
With pirates from both developing and developed countries leveraging on AI, the half-life of Singapore math is getting exponentially shorter, and the “fine” city of Singapore risks being innovated away if local math educators don’t act now.
The Half-Life of Singapore Math by Numerati January 8, 2025
Pitectionism
Short for “pi protectionism.” When the number π prioritizes her tasks based on their value, cost, and urgency—she saves much time and creates great value, by focusing on the “signal-in-the-noise” tasks, unlike her fellow numerical constants that often react paranoiacally at the slightest rumor or furor.
Without practicing pitectionism, the most famous constant in mathematics would be unable to remain popular or be part of popular culture for so long, especially among those who unashamedly pride themselves to be “hopeless” at math.
Pitectionism by Numerati January 6, 2025
Pi Needs You!
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.
Pi Needs You! by Numerati January 5, 2025