Inverse Proportion and Probability November 10, 2012
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Life Lessons, Word Play, Writing & Writers.Tags: Andy Rooney, Humor, Math, Murphy, Probability, Trifecta Challenge
45 comments
Murphy: The probability of ”X” fluctuates in inverse proportion to our preparedness for “X.”
Goofy: Huh?
Murphy: If you don’t want it to rain, bring an umbrella. If you do, don’t.
Goofy: Gotcha!
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Trifextra Weekend Challenge: Andy Rooney created something called “The 50-50-90 rule: anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% probability you’ll get it wrong.” We want you to give us your own probability equation. Use whichever numbers suit you, and make it about whatever you like, but give us something to think about. In 33 words, of course.
BTW: I realize there are no numbers in my “probability equation.” Blame it on Murphy . . . “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” 
Aah . . . that’s better!
Fun With Numbers: Sequences ~ Answers October 19, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in People.Tags: Math
22 comments
As promised, here are the answers to Fun with Numbers: Sequences posted yesterday:
1) 1 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81
These numbers are simple “squares” from 1×1=1 through 9×9=81
2) 3 5 8 13 21 34 55 89 144
This sequence requires adding the preceding two numbers to determine the next number in the sequence:
5+8=13, 8+13=21, 13+21=34, 21+34=55
3) 8 27 64 125 216 343 512
These are all cubes, from 2x2x2=8 through 8x8x8=512. But see Loreen’s comments on Fun with Numbers: Sequences for an interesting pattern she observed.
4) 3 6 10 15 21 28 36 45 55
This sequence adds increasing integers (3, 4, 5, 6 up to 10) to the preceding number: 3+3=6+4=10+5=15+6 =21+7=28+8=36
5) 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 256 512
Multiply by 2 all the way through the sequence, ending with 2 to the 9th power: 2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2x2=512
6) 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25
Add “3″ all the way through the sequence.
7) 3 9 27 81 243 729 2187 6561
Multiply by “3″ all the way through the sequence, ending with 3 to the 8th power: 3x3x3x3x3x3x3x3=6561
So, how did you do? Are you going to give Einstein a run for his money in the math department?
Fun With Numbers: Sequences October 18, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in People.Tags: Logic, Math, Mathematics
33 comments
Image via Wikipedia
Math has logic and certainty behind it.
When you see the pattern, you can predict the next step in the progression.
It’s Black & White, without the endless shades of gray that predominate elsewhere in life.
Craving a bit of logical certainty?
Here are a few easy sequences to put order back into your day:
1) 1 4 9 16 25 36 ___ ___ 81
2) 3 5 8 13 21 ___ ___ 89 144
3) 8 ___ 64 125 216 343 ___
4) 3 6 10 ___ 21 28 ___ 45 55
5) 2 4 8 16 32 ___ 128 256 ___
6) 1 4 7 10 13 ___ 19 22 ____
7) 3 9 27 81 243 ___ 2187 ____
Answers tomorrow.
NOTE: Some answers may appear in the comments. Don’t scroll down until you’ve solved the sequences . . . or have given up due to lack of sleep, lack of coffee, or lack of interest. Cheers!
Related posts: Your Role Model * The Laugh Calculator * Certainty and Symmetry * Attitude is Everything * SPOOKY: Last post = DCLXVI (666)
Certainty and Symmetry August 30, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Life Balance, People.Tags: Math
15 comments
We’ve enjoyed some Fun with Words:
* From Foxes with Sockses to Speed Bumps
* From Anagram Antics to Aphorisms Aa to Zz
* From Doublet Challenges to Fun Puns
Now, lets enjoy some Fun with Numbers!
Specifically, let’s see if we can balance the books and get things to add up:
1. Mathematical certainty is one thing, mathematical symmetry another:
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
2. Who says that ONE is the loneliest number?
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
3. Why is “6″ afraid of “7″? Because 7 . . . 8 . . . 9.
4. Another tower of power, featuring the numeral “8″ ~ quite brilliant, eh?
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
5. Finally, take a look at this gorgeous symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321
Stay tuned.
More Fun with Numbers coming soon!
Related post: SPOOKY: Last post = DCLXVI (666)
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Inspiration: e-mail from unknown mathematician
