• Activity
  • Votes
  • Comments
  • New
  • All activity
  • Showing only topics in ~talk with the tag "numbers". Back to normal view / Search all groups
    1. Problems of scale: How to get a better grasp on numbers?

      Inspired by the post about "petty reform" platforms, I noticed a trend, that matched with my own brain musings. People have an inherent problem with number conceptualization(Poor natural magnitude...

      Inspired by the post about "petty reform" platforms, I noticed a trend, that matched with my own brain musings.

      People have an inherent problem with number conceptualization(Poor natural magnitude conception?).

      I recall this being a problem as old as time. Things that have helped me grapple with this are things like Fermi Problems and someone who used a grain of rice to represent the scale of wealth discrepancy in the world, using Bill Gates or Elon Musk as an example (can't find the original video, all the derivatives have been turned into TikTok-esque drivel).

      I ask the people of Tildes, what types of scale descriptors, demonstrations, etc. have you found moving in your life? Really putting something into perspective. I will give bonus points for "positive" examples, not just doom and gloom, but welcome anything that tickles your fancy.

      13 votes
    2. What are some significant numbers or juxtapositions of numbers and quantities you often notices?

      You may find it delightful to encounter sequences composed of prime numbers, or numbers who are divisors of each other. Maybe they're components of your first phone number, your first car license,...

      You may find it delightful to encounter sequences composed of prime numbers, or numbers who are divisors of each other. Maybe they're components of your first phone number, your first car license, your kid's birthday, the day a relative died, or the release of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. What numbers and combinations of numbers you see everywhere that you find curious, amusing, or meaningful?

      19 votes