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	<entry>
		<id>https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=Talk:2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195794</id>
		<title>Talk:2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=Talk:2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195794"/>
				<updated>2020-08-09T03:52:49Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Alan g: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;!--Please sign your posts with ~~~~ and don't delete this text. New comments should be added at the bottom.--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Can I get aleph-null aleph-shaped throwing stars? [[User:LunarNapolean|LunarNapolean]] ([[User talk:LunarNapolean|talk]]) 20:18, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Apologies to whoever added the &amp;quot;citation needed&amp;quot; that I stepped on.  -- brad&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That zeta looks conspicuously bad. I wonder if this comic will get a cleaned-up version uploaded. [[Special:Contributions/108.162.237.16|108.162.237.16]] 20:51, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Megan]] usually has shoulder-length hair, so the person being attacked by Ponytail is probably not Megan... except in so far as all brunettes in this comic are called 'Megan'.  [[User:LtPowers|LtPowers]] ([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]]) 20:53, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:Is one of them [[Danish]]? And one of them Megan? [[Special:Contributions/172.69.33.121|172.69.33.121]] 22:49, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
I think Randall is underestimating the weapon utility of psi. There's a real-world martial arts [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_(weapon) weapon] that looks somewhat like it.[[Special:Contributions/172.69.68.197|172.69.68.197]] 22:04, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:I think he’s also seriously underestimating the value of keeping your fingers attached to your hand. Swords have guards for a reason. I’d pick the contour integral over anything else there.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Considering the title text, a bass clef looks pretty formidable, close to a bat'leth. [[User:Nutster|Nutster]] ([[User talk:Nutster|talk]]) 00:31, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:Yes, but the treble clef is the one in the title text, and that’s nothing like a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}. I removed the comment from the table. [[User:Adam1729|Adam1729]] ([[User talk:Adam1729|talk]]) 02:09, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
These “weapons” seem strangely appropriate for xkcd’s stick figures... -cpl&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Are we sure White Hat is holding empty set? There don't appear to be points extending outside the circle in which case I think he's actually holding Theta -jc&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Can I use the LaTeX mathwitch? [[Special:Contributions/141.101.98.26|141.101.98.26]] 10:03, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
First time editor here,hope I get the notation right!  Question on the pi link to wikipedia: I put in the double link to the main page and the disambiguation because unfortunately https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_(disambiguation)#Mathematics doesn't include the mathematical constant definition (though it is listed at the top of the page).  Thoughts? [[User:Alan g|Alan g]] ([[User talk:Alan g|talk]]) 10:38, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
I think that’s the is proportional to” symbol rather than just alpha. They are similar but have different Unicode symbols. Thoughts?--[[Special:Contributions/141.101.98.222|141.101.98.222]] 12:01, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:You're definitely correct. (They don't even look that similar...) It's the direct proportion symbol, not the symbol for Alpha. &lt;br /&gt;
:[[User:ProphetZarquon|ProphetZarquon]] ([[User talk:ProphetZarquon|talk]]) 18:03, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
I don't think → is &amp;quot;implies&amp;quot;, particularly as we've had ⇒ earlier.  → is often used for &amp;quot;maps to&amp;quot;, as in f: x → f(x) [[Special:Contributions/141.101.107.166|141.101.107.166]] 19:24, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:→ and ⇒ often mean two different kinds of &amp;quot;implies&amp;quot;.  The single arrow is for the boolean operator that takes in two truth values and outputs a truth value.  The double one is for &amp;quot;things on the left justify/prove things on the right&amp;quot;,  in somewhat of a metalanguage. Here's an example of two different ways of saying Modus Ponens with the operators: ((p→q) ∧p)→q  vs p→q,p⇒q [[User:Alan g|Alan g]] ([[User talk:Alan g|talk]]) 03:52, 9 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
Are we sure that is the multiplication sign (center dot)? The placement makes it seem more a decimal point. [[Special:Contributions/162.158.123.47|162.158.123.47]] 21:51, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:Confusingly, math conventions in some countries use a low dot for multiplication, though it's not as common as it used to be. That's in addition to all the other things that bare dots can represent in math. Personally I can't &amp;quot;see&amp;quot; any particular set of semantics for that symbol, I just see a dot. [[Special:Contributions/162.158.186.136|162.158.186.136]] 22:51, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Alan g</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=Talk:2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195753</id>
		<title>Talk:2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=Talk:2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195753"/>
				<updated>2020-08-08T10:38:38Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Alan g: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;!--Please sign your posts with ~~~~ and don't delete this text. New comments should be added at the bottom.--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Can I get aleph-null aleph-shaped throwing stars? [[User:LunarNapolean|LunarNapolean]] ([[User talk:LunarNapolean|talk]]) 20:18, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Apologies to whoever added the &amp;quot;citation needed&amp;quot; that I stepped on.  -- brad&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
That zeta looks conspicuously bad. I wonder if this comic will get a cleaned-up version uploaded. [[Special:Contributions/108.162.237.16|108.162.237.16]] 20:51, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Megan]] usually has shoulder-length hair, so the person being attacked by Ponytail is probably not Megan... except in so far as all brunettes in this comic are called 'Megan'.  [[User:LtPowers|LtPowers]] ([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]]) 20:53, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:Is one of them [[Danish]]? And one of them Megan? [[Special:Contributions/172.69.33.121|172.69.33.121]] 22:49, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
I think Randall is underestimating the weapon utility of psi. There's a real-world martial arts [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_(weapon) weapon] that looks somewhat like it.[[Special:Contributions/172.69.68.197|172.69.68.197]] 22:04, 7 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:I think he’s also seriously underestimating the value of keeping your fingers attached to your hand. Swords have guards for a reason. I’d pick the contour integral over anything else there.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Considering the title text, a bass clef looks pretty formidable, close to a bat'leth. [[User:Nutster|Nutster]] ([[User talk:Nutster|talk]]) 00:31, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
:Yes, but the treble clef is the one in the title text, and that’s nothing like a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}. I removed the comment from the table. [[User:Adam1729|Adam1729]] ([[User talk:Adam1729|talk]]) 02:09, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
These “weapons” seem strangely appropriate for xkcd’s stick figures... -cpl&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Are we sure White Hat is holding empty set? There don't appear to be points extending outside the circle in which case I think he's actually holding Theta -jc&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Can I use the LaTeX mathwitch? [[Special:Contributions/141.101.98.26|141.101.98.26]] 10:03, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
First time editor here,hope I get the notation right!  Question on the pi link to wikipedia: I put in the double link to the main page and the disambiguation because unfortunately https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_(disambiguation)#Mathematics doesn't include the mathematical constant definition (though it is listed at the top of the page).  Thoughts? [[User:Alan g|Alan g]] ([[User talk:Alan g|talk]]) 10:38, 8 August 2020 (UTC)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Alan g</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195713</id>
		<title>2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195713"/>
				<updated>2020-08-07T23:37:05Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Alan g: changed name of ⇒, added meanings for ~, added wiki for +, `~,⇒&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{comic&lt;br /&gt;
| number    = 2343&lt;br /&gt;
| date      = August 7, 2020&lt;br /&gt;
| title     = Mathematical Symbol Fight&lt;br /&gt;
| image     = mathematical_symbol_fight.png&lt;br /&gt;
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Explanation==&lt;br /&gt;
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This panel imagines which {{w|List of mathematical symbols|mathematical symbols}} would be good in a fight if they were made corporeal in two (or three) dimensions. Generally, objects with longer reach and pointier ends wind up on the &amp;quot;more dangerous&amp;quot; side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left side. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The comic invokes [[wikipedia:surreal humour|surreal humour]] by suggesting that mathematical symbols could be handled as physical objects in the real world. Another component of the humor is the implication that it is useful to prepare to use mathematical symbols in a fight, even though mathematicians, who use mathematical symbols, usually do not conduct their debates violently (though some stories suggest that {{w|Hippasus}} was killed by his fellow Pythagoreans for his proof that irrational numbers exist), and even if they did, they wouldn't use large reproductions of their symbols as weapons.{{Citation needed}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A straight line is farthest to the &amp;quot;more dangerous&amp;quot; side, which could possibly be a reference to the dangers posed by lines in &amp;quot;Flatland&amp;quot;, because their infinitely-sharp endpoints could be difficult to see (particularly their rear end, which does not contain a gleaming eye as their front end does) and would fatally pierce whoever they chose to stab. However, taking a more literal view of the drawings, the straight line does not appear to be any thicker or thinner, or pointer, than any of the other lines.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The title text refers to a {{w|clef}}, which is not a mathematical symbol but rather a {{w|List of musical symbols|musical symbol}}. The note of concern in the text suggests musical symbols may be viewed in such fights as exotic or especially dangerous.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! Symbol&lt;br /&gt;
! Meaning&lt;br /&gt;
! Notes on using in a fight&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ℝ&lt;br /&gt;
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s&lt;br /&gt;
|Megan seems to be struggling with a giant version of this symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∅&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]&lt;br /&gt;
|This symbol is not very sharp, and [[White Hat]] is unable to use it in combat. It would not work as a good shield due to the hole in the symbol, but it possibly could be thrown.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|Greater than&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|α&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Alpha_(disambiguation)#Mathematics_and_statistics|Alpha]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|π&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:pi|pi]] or [[wikipedia:Pi_(disambiguation)#Mathematics|pi]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| +&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Plus_and_minus_signs#Plus_sign|Plus]]&lt;br /&gt;
|Maybe thrown like a shuriken?&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Ψ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Psi#Mathematics|Psi]]&lt;br /&gt;
|It could be used as a slightly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, with a shorter handle. More particularly, it resembles a sai (which, funnily enough, is how &amp;quot;Psi&amp;quot; is pronounced).&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|~&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Tilde#Mathematics|tilde]], meaning &amp;quot;approximately&amp;quot;, equivalent, or several transforms of a function&lt;br /&gt;
|A potentially dangerous throwing weapon.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⇒&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Material_conditional|Material consequence]] or [[wikipedia:Logical_consequence|Logical consequence]], meaning &amp;quot;implies&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⋅&lt;br /&gt;
|multiplication sign&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Γ&lt;br /&gt;
|uppercase Greek letter gamma&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|√&lt;br /&gt;
|{{w|square root}} sign&lt;br /&gt;
|Black Hat has chosen this symbol and is using it like a polearm, something like a {{w|shepherd's crook}}.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∮&lt;br /&gt;
|contour integral&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∫&lt;br /&gt;
|integral&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⇀&lt;br /&gt;
|…&lt;br /&gt;
|A single-barbed spear.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&lt;br /&gt;
|…&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|θ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∞&lt;br /&gt;
|infinity&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∪&lt;br /&gt;
|union (set theory)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∈&lt;br /&gt;
|member of (set theory)&lt;br /&gt;
|Cueball is holding this. It could be used as a significantly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, if only it wasn't missing a handle like Psi. Maybe better for throwing.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∀&lt;br /&gt;
|&amp;quot;for all&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∂&lt;br /&gt;
|partial derivative or [[wikipedia:Boundary_(topology)|boundary operator]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|≠&lt;br /&gt;
|not equal sign&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|#&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Cardinality|Cardinality]], [[wikipedia:Connected_sum|connected sum]] (knot theory), or [[wikipedia:Primorial|primorial]].&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Δ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ζ&lt;br /&gt;
|Zeta&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ℵ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|𝜌&lt;br /&gt;
|italic rho&lt;br /&gt;
|Perhaps could be wielded as an axe&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|→&lt;br /&gt;
|Implies; X→Y means that if X is true, then Y is also true&lt;br /&gt;
|Looks like a spear&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⊥&lt;br /&gt;
|up tack or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic or the bottom element in a partial order&lt;br /&gt;
|Held like an axe, the top of the T could be arced towards an opponent. &lt;br /&gt;
Held like a wishbone, two hands could be used to try to drive the point into an opponent. &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⎯⎯&lt;br /&gt;
|Fraction bar (division) or overline (complex conjugate or mean).&lt;br /&gt;
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|𝄞&lt;br /&gt;
|Treble clef&lt;br /&gt;
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Transcript==&lt;br /&gt;
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}&lt;br /&gt;
[Heading]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mathematical Symbols&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Subheading]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
by how useful they would be in a fight&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
more useful&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
⟶&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
 ℝ   ∅ &amp;gt; α π + Ψ ~ ⇒ ⋅ Γ √ ∮ ∫ ⇀&lt;br /&gt;
   θ ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ∂ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant &amp;quot;ℝ&amp;quot;.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[White Hat is holding an &amp;quot;∅&amp;quot; with both hands, as a shield.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Cueball is holding an &amp;quot;∈&amp;quot; in both hands, with its &amp;quot;tines&amp;quot; pointed towards Blondie, who is swatting at him with a &amp;quot;#&amp;quot;.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Ponytail is leaping at another Danish, swinging a &amp;quot;ρ&amp;quot; like an axe, while Danish is leaning back and thrusting a &amp;quot;→&amp;quot; back at her.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Black Hat is swinging a long &amp;quot;√&amp;quot; like a polearm at Hairy, who is holding a long &amp;quot;⎯&amp;quot; defensively.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
−	&lt;br /&gt;
List of symbols, in order of farthest extent to the right: &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
−	&lt;br /&gt;
ℝ θ ∅ ∞  &amp;gt; ∪ α (E) ∀ π ∂ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ ζ ⇒ ⋅ ℵ Γ 𝜌 √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥  ⇀ ⎯&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: Where two symbols had similar right-most edges, the overlay grid on an ASUS pro-art display was used to decide which one went further right. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{comic discussion}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Math]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Music]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Charts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Blondie]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Alan g</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195711</id>
		<title>2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195711"/>
				<updated>2020-08-07T23:24:39Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Alan g: Added wiki for boundary, Psi,alpha&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{comic&lt;br /&gt;
| number    = 2343&lt;br /&gt;
| date      = August 7, 2020&lt;br /&gt;
| title     = Mathematical Symbol Fight&lt;br /&gt;
| image     = mathematical_symbol_fight.png&lt;br /&gt;
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Explanation==&lt;br /&gt;
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This panel imagines which {{w|List of mathematical symbols|mathematical symbols}} would be good in a fight if they were made corporeal in two (or three) dimensions. Generally, objects with longer reach and pointier ends wind up on the &amp;quot;more dangerous&amp;quot; side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left side. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The comic invokes [[wikipedia:surreal humour|surreal humour]] by suggesting that mathematical symbols could be handled as physical objects in the real world. Another component of the humor is the implication that it is useful to prepare to use mathematical symbols in a fight, even though mathematicians, who use mathematical symbols, usually do not conduct their debates violently (though some stories suggest that {{w|Hippasus}} was killed by his fellow Pythagoreans for his proof that irrational numbers exist), and even if they did, they wouldn't use large reproductions of their symbols as weapons.{{Citation needed}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A straight line is farthest to the &amp;quot;more dangerous&amp;quot; side, which could possibly be a reference to the dangers posed by lines in &amp;quot;Flatland&amp;quot;, because their infinitely-sharp endpoints could be difficult to see (particularly their rear end, which does not contain a gleaming eye as their front end does) and would fatally pierce whoever they chose to stab. However, taking a more literal view of the drawings, the straight line does not appear to be any thicker or thinner, or pointer, than any of the other lines.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The title text refers to a {{w|clef}}, which is not a mathematical symbol but rather a {{w|List of musical symbols|musical symbol}}. The note of concern in the text suggests musical symbols may be viewed in such fights as exotic or especially dangerous.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! Symbol&lt;br /&gt;
! Meaning&lt;br /&gt;
! Notes on using in a fight&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ℝ&lt;br /&gt;
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s&lt;br /&gt;
|Megan seems to be struggling with a giant version of this symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∅&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]&lt;br /&gt;
|This symbol is not very sharp, and [[White Hat]] is unable to use it in combat. It would not work as a good shield due to the hole in the symbol, but it possibly could be thrown.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|Greater than&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|α&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Alpha_(disambiguation)#Mathematics_and_statistics|Alpha]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|π&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:pi|pi]] or [[wikipedia:Pi_(disambiguation)#Mathematics|pi]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| +&lt;br /&gt;
|Plus&lt;br /&gt;
|Maybe thrown like a shuriken?&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Ψ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Psi#Mathematics|Psi]]&lt;br /&gt;
|It could be used as a slightly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, with a shorter handle.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|~&lt;br /&gt;
|tilde, meaning &amp;quot;approximately&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|A potentially dangerous throwing weapon.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⇒&lt;br /&gt;
|rightwards double arrow, meaning &amp;quot;implies&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⋅&lt;br /&gt;
|multiplication sign&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Γ&lt;br /&gt;
|uppercase Greek letter gamma&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|√&lt;br /&gt;
|{{w|square root}} sign&lt;br /&gt;
|Black Hat has chosen this symbol and is using it like a polearm, something like a {{w|shepherd's crook}}.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∮&lt;br /&gt;
|contour integral&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∫&lt;br /&gt;
|integral&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⇀&lt;br /&gt;
|…&lt;br /&gt;
|A single-barbed spear.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&lt;br /&gt;
|…&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|θ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∞&lt;br /&gt;
|infinity&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∪&lt;br /&gt;
|union (set theory)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∈&lt;br /&gt;
|member of (set theory)&lt;br /&gt;
|Cueball is holding this. It could be used as a significantly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, if only it wasn't missing a handle like Psi. Maybe better for throwing.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∀&lt;br /&gt;
|&amp;quot;for all&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∂&lt;br /&gt;
|partial derivative or [[wikipedia:Boundary_(topology)|boundary operator]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|≠&lt;br /&gt;
|not equal sign&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|#&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Cardinality|Cardinality]], [[wikipedia:Connected_sum|connected sum]] (knot theory), or [[wikipedia:Primorial|primorial]].&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Δ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ζ&lt;br /&gt;
|Zeta&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ℵ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|𝜌&lt;br /&gt;
|italic rho&lt;br /&gt;
|Perhaps could be wielded as an axe&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|→&lt;br /&gt;
|Implies; X→Y means that if X is true, then Y is also true&lt;br /&gt;
|Looks like a spear&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⊥&lt;br /&gt;
|up tack or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic or the bottom element in a partial order&lt;br /&gt;
|Held like an axe, the top of the T could be arced towards an opponent. &lt;br /&gt;
Held like a wishbone, two hands could be used to try to drive the point into an opponent. &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⎯⎯&lt;br /&gt;
|Fraction bar (division) or overline (complex conjugate or mean).&lt;br /&gt;
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|𝄞&lt;br /&gt;
|Treble clef&lt;br /&gt;
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Transcript==&lt;br /&gt;
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}&lt;br /&gt;
[Heading]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mathematical Symbols&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Subheading]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
by how useful they would be in a fight&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
more useful&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
⟶&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
 ℝ   ∅ &amp;gt; α π + Ψ ~ ⇒ ⋅ Γ √ ∮ ∫ ⇀&lt;br /&gt;
   θ ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ∂ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant &amp;quot;ℝ&amp;quot;.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[White Hat is holding an &amp;quot;∅&amp;quot; with both hands, as a shield.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Cueball is holding an &amp;quot;∈&amp;quot; in both hands, with its &amp;quot;tines&amp;quot; pointed towards Blondie, who is swatting at him with a &amp;quot;#&amp;quot;.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Ponytail is leaping at another Danish, swinging a &amp;quot;ρ&amp;quot; like an axe, while Danish is leaning back and thrusting a &amp;quot;→&amp;quot; back at her.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Black Hat is swinging a long &amp;quot;√&amp;quot; like a polearm at Hairy, who is holding a long &amp;quot;⎯&amp;quot; defensively.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
−	&lt;br /&gt;
List of symbols, in order of farthest extent to the right: &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
−	&lt;br /&gt;
ℝ θ ∅ ∞  &amp;gt; ∪ α (E) ∀ π ∂ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ ζ ⇒ ⋅ ℵ Γ 𝜌 √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥  ⇀ ⎯&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: Where two symbols had similar right-most edges, the overlay grid on an ASUS pro-art display was used to decide which one went further right. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{comic discussion}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Math]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Music]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Charts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Blondie]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Alan g</name></author>	</entry>

	<entry>
		<id>https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195708</id>
		<title>2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php?title=2343:_Mathematical_Symbol_Fight&amp;diff=195708"/>
				<updated>2020-08-07T23:09:20Z</updated>
		
		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Alan g: Added boundary operator to @ and bottom element to ⊥ explanations&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{comic&lt;br /&gt;
| number    = 2343&lt;br /&gt;
| date      = August 7, 2020&lt;br /&gt;
| title     = Mathematical Symbol Fight&lt;br /&gt;
| image     = mathematical_symbol_fight.png&lt;br /&gt;
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Explanation==&lt;br /&gt;
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This panel imagines which {{w|List of mathematical symbols|mathematical symbols}} would be good in a fight if they were made corporeal in two (or three) dimensions. Generally, objects with longer reach and pointier ends wind up on the &amp;quot;more dangerous&amp;quot; side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left side. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The comic invokes [[wikipedia:surreal humour|surreal humour]] by suggesting that mathematical symbols could be handled as physical objects in the real world. Another component of the humor is the implication that it is useful to prepare to use mathematical symbols in a fight, even though mathematicians, who use mathematical symbols, usually do not conduct their debates violently (though some stories suggest that {{w|Hippasus}} was killed by his fellow Pythagoreans for his proof that irrational numbers exist), and even if they did, they wouldn't use large reproductions of their symbols as weapons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A straight line is farthest to the &amp;quot;more dangerous&amp;quot; side, which could possibly be a reference to the dangers posed by lines in &amp;quot;Flatland&amp;quot;, because their infinitely-sharp endpoints could be difficult to see (particularly their rear end, which does not contain a gleaming eye as their front end does) and would fatally pierce whoever they chose to stab. However, taking a more literal view of the drawings, the straight line does not appear to be any thicker or thinner, or pointer, than any of the other lines.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The title text refers to a {{w|clef}}, which is not a mathematical symbol but rather a {{w|List of musical symbols|musical symbol}}. The note of concern in the text suggests musical symbols may be viewed in such fights as exotic or especially dangerous.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! Symbol&lt;br /&gt;
! Meaning&lt;br /&gt;
! Notes on using in a fight&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ℝ&lt;br /&gt;
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s&lt;br /&gt;
|Megan seems to be struggling with a giant version of this symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∅&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]&lt;br /&gt;
|This symbol is not very sharp, and [[White Hat]] is unable to use it in combat. It would not work as a good shield due to the hole in the symbol, but it possibly could be thrown.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|Greater than&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|α&lt;br /&gt;
|Alpha&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|π&lt;br /&gt;
|Pi&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| +&lt;br /&gt;
|Plus&lt;br /&gt;
|Maybe thrown like a shuriken?&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Ψ&lt;br /&gt;
|Psi&lt;br /&gt;
|It could be used as a slightly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, with a shorter handle.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|~&lt;br /&gt;
|tilde, meaning &amp;quot;approximately&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|A potentially dangerous throwing weapon.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⇒&lt;br /&gt;
|rightwards double arrow, meaning &amp;quot;implies&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⋅&lt;br /&gt;
|multiplication sign&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Γ&lt;br /&gt;
|uppercase Greek letter gamma&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|√&lt;br /&gt;
|{{w|square root}} sign&lt;br /&gt;
|Black Hat has chosen this symbol and is using it like a polearm, something like a {{w|shepherd's crook}}.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∮&lt;br /&gt;
|contour integral&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∫&lt;br /&gt;
|integral&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⇀&lt;br /&gt;
|…&lt;br /&gt;
|A single-barbed spear.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|&lt;br /&gt;
|…&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|θ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∞&lt;br /&gt;
|infinity&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∪&lt;br /&gt;
|union (set theory)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∈&lt;br /&gt;
|member of (set theory)&lt;br /&gt;
|Cueball is holding this. It could be used as a significantly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, if only it wasn't missing a handle like Psi. Maybe better for throwing.&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∀&lt;br /&gt;
|&amp;quot;for all&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|∂&lt;br /&gt;
|partial derivative or boundary operator&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|≠&lt;br /&gt;
|not equal sign&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|#&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Cardinality|Cardinality]], [[wikipedia:Connected_sum|connected sum]] (knot theory), or [[wikipedia:Primorial|primorial]].&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Δ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ζ&lt;br /&gt;
|Zeta&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|ℵ&lt;br /&gt;
|[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]]&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|𝜌&lt;br /&gt;
|italic rho&lt;br /&gt;
|Perhaps could be wielded as an axe&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|→&lt;br /&gt;
|Implies; X→Y means that if X is true, then Y is also true&lt;br /&gt;
|Looks like a spear&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⊥&lt;br /&gt;
|up tack or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic or the bottom element in a partial order&lt;br /&gt;
|Held like an axe, the top of the T could be arced towards an opponent. &lt;br /&gt;
Held like a wishbone, two hands could be used to try to drive the point into an opponent. &lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|⎯⎯&lt;br /&gt;
|Fraction bar (division) or overline (complex conjugate or mean).&lt;br /&gt;
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|𝄞&lt;br /&gt;
|Treble clef&lt;br /&gt;
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Transcript==&lt;br /&gt;
{{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}&lt;br /&gt;
[Heading]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mathematical Symbols&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Subheading]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
by how useful they would be in a fight&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
more useful&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
⟶&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
 ℝ   ∅ &amp;gt; α π + Ψ ~ ⇒ ⋅ Γ √ ∮ ∫ ⇀&lt;br /&gt;
   θ ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ∂ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant &amp;quot;ℝ&amp;quot;.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[White Hat is holding an &amp;quot;∅&amp;quot; with both hands, as a shield.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Cueball is holding an &amp;quot;∈&amp;quot; in both hands, with its &amp;quot;tines&amp;quot; pointed towards Blondie, who is swatting at him with a &amp;quot;#&amp;quot;.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Ponytail is leaping at another (?) Megan, swinging a &amp;quot;ρ&amp;quot; like an axe, while Megan is leaning back and thrusting a &amp;quot;→&amp;quot; back at her.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[Black Hat is swinging a long &amp;quot;√&amp;quot; like a polearm at Hairy, who is holding a long &amp;quot;⎯&amp;quot; defensively.]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
−	&lt;br /&gt;
List of symbols, in order of farthest extent to the right: &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
−	&lt;br /&gt;
ℝ θ ∅ ∞  &amp;gt; ∪ α (E) ∀ π ∂ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ (???) ⇒ (.) ℵ (hangman) (P) √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥  ⇀ ⎯&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: Where two symbols had similar right-most edges, the overlay grid on an ASUS pro-art display was used to decide which one went further right. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{comic discussion}}&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Math]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Music]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Charts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Blondie]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Alan g</name></author>	</entry>

	</feed>