The error function. Computer programs such as
Mathematica and Maple incorrectly evaluate about 95% of
integrals taken over all space. When the program fails to recognize an integral, it
automatically spits out "erf" for an unknown reason.
Person 1: Dude, we have a
Quantum Mechanics homework set due in 30 minutes, & I can't
figure out how to evaluate this integral.
Person 2: Don't worry, we'll put it into Maple!
Maple: Erf erf erf erf erf...
Professor:
epic fail.