Editing 2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | + | {{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | |
− | Generally, objects with longer reach and pointier ends | + | 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 right ("more useful") side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left ("less useful") side. |
− | + | 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 {{Citation needed}} (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}} | |
− | + | A straight line is farthest to the "more dangerous" side, which could possibly be a reference to the dangers posed by lines in "Flatland", 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 pointier, than any of the other lines. | |
− | The title text refers to a {{w| | + | 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. |
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{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
! Symbol | ! Symbol | ||
Line 26: | Line 23: | ||
! Notes on using in a fight | ! Notes on using in a fight | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |ℝ |
− | |The set of | + | |The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s |
− | | | + | |Megan seems to be struggling with a giant version of this symbol. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |θ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Theta#Mathematics_and_science|Theta]] |
|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. (The later version of Xena's chakram had a bar in the middle.) | |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. (The later version of Xena's chakram had a bar in the middle.) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∅ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]] |
− | |Similarly shaped to theta, but identified as being slightly more useful, presumably because the parts of the bar that extend beyond the circle can be used as thrusting weapons. | + | |Similarly shaped to theta, but identified as being slightly more useful, presumably because the parts of the bar that extend beyond the circle can be used as thrusting weapons. |
+ | |- | ||
+ | |∞ | ||
+ | |infinity | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |> |
− | + | |Greater than | |
− | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |α |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Alpha_(disambiguation)#Mathematics_and_statistics|Alpha]] |
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∪ |
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|union (set theory)}} |
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∈ |
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|Element (mathematics)|member of}} (set theory) |
− | | | + | |Cueball is holding this in the manner of a Klingon "{{w|Bat'leth}}" from the ''Star Trek'' franchise. The Bat'leth is [https://youtu.be/VsElSDXPgSA infamous] among swordfighters for being rather impractical, and that the Klingon warrior race would have been better suited using swords like humans. It seems Randall agrees, as the ∈ is quite far on the left of the chart. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |π |
− | + | |[[wikipedia:Pi|pi]] | |
− | |[[ | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∀ |
− | |"{{w|Universal quantification| | + | |"{{w|Universal quantification|for all}}" |
− | |Could be held by the crossbar | + | |Could be held by the crossbar and punched point-first at the opponent, but the long legs would be heavy when a punching weapon should be light. (Also, the opponent might object that using "∀" in this way would actually make it into an "A", which is not on the list of symbols.) |
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∂ |
− | |{{w|Partial derivative | + | |{{w|∂}} ([[wikipedia:Partial derivative|partial derivative]] or [[wikipedia:Boundary_(topology)|boundary operator]]) |
|It's not clear why Randall ranks this symbol as so much less effective than the similarly-shaped 𝜌, but the curl in the "tail" of the ∂ would give it a shorter lever arm when swung and would disrupt the balance. | |It's not clear why Randall ranks this symbol as so much less effective than the similarly-shaped 𝜌, but the curl in the "tail" of the ∂ would give it a shorter lever arm when swung and would disrupt the balance. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | + |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Plus_and_minus_signs#Plus_sign|Plus]] |
− | |Maybe thrown like a {{w|shuriken}}? | + | |Maybe thrown like a {{w|shuriken}}? |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |Ψ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Psi#Mathematics|Psi]] |
− | |It could be used as a slightly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, with a shorter handle. More particularly, it resembles a {{w | + | |It could be used as a slightly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, with a shorter handle. More particularly, it resembles a {{w|sai}} (which, funnily enough, is how "Psi" is pronounced). |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |≠ |
− | | | + | |not equal sign |
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |~ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Tilde#Mathematics|tilde]], meaning "approximately", equivalent, or several transforms of a function |
− | |A potentially dangerous throwing weapon | + | |A potentially dangerous throwing weapon. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |# |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Cardinality|Cardinality]], [[wikipedia:Connected_sum|connected sum]] (knot theory), or [[wikipedia:Primorial|primorial]]. |
− | | | + | |Blondie uses this symbol. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |Δ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]] |
− | |Could be held with one bar clenched in a fist, and then used as a {{w|push dagger}} | + | |Could be held with one bar clenched in a fist, and then used as a {{w|push dagger}}. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |⇒ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Material_conditional|Material consequence]] or [[wikipedia:Logical_consequence|Logical consequence]], meaning "implies" |
− | |The point is nice, but having two poles (or one board-like thick handle | + | |The point is nice, but having two poles (or one board-like thick handle) would be difficult to wield. A collection of them might make a nice defensive pike line. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |⋅ |
− | + | |multiplication sign | |
− | | | + | |If thrown, this could be a dangerous projectile weapon, or it could be scattered on the ground as a trip hazard. Three of them stacked together would make a "{{w|therefore sign}}", which might at least conclude the ''mathematical'' portion of the fight in the user's favor. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |ζ |
|{{w|Zeta#Mathematics_and_science|Zeta}} | |{{w|Zeta#Mathematics_and_science|Zeta}} | ||
|Could be sharpened into a scythe or curved saber, depending on the curvature and length of the 'tail' at the bottom. | |Could be sharpened into a scythe or curved saber, depending on the curvature and length of the 'tail' at the bottom. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |ℵ |
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]] |
− | | | + | |Could be brandished or thrown in the manner of a shuriken. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |Γ |
− | | | + | |uppercase Greek letter {{w|Gamma#Uppercase|Gamma}} |
|If this letter is formed with {{w|serif}}s, it could be used as an axe or hook, and if it is made {{w|sans-serif}}, it would make a powerful pick or war hammer. | |If this letter is formed with {{w|serif}}s, it could be used as an axe or hook, and if it is made {{w|sans-serif}}, it would make a powerful pick or war hammer. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |√ |
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|square root}} sign |
− | |Randall has drawn this sign with a long overbar, which makes it useful like a {{w| | + | |Randall has drawn this sign with a long overbar, which makes it useful like a polearm, something like a {{w|shepherd's crook}}. Black Hat has chosen this symbol. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |𝜌 |
− | |{{w| | + | |italic {{w|Rho#Mathematics_and_science|rho}} |
− | | | + | |Ponytail is brandishing this symbol against Danish, apparently using it like a club or hammer and striking with the curve. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∮ |
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|contour integral}} |
|This symbol is drawn with a very tight center, giving it an almost identical figure to the regular integral symbol. Presumably, the added bulk for marginal additional use earns it a rating of 'less effective'. | |This symbol is drawn with a very tight center, giving it an almost identical figure to the regular integral symbol. Presumably, the added bulk for marginal additional use earns it a rating of 'less effective'. | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |∫ |
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|integral}} |
− | |Could be used in the manner of a shepherd's crook | + | |Could possibly be used in the manner of a shepherd's crook. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |→ |
|Implies; X→Y means that if X is true, then Y is also true | |Implies; X→Y means that if X is true, then Y is also true | ||
− | | | + | |Danish is brandishing this symbol against Ponytail, apparently using it like a spear or other polearm. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |⊥ |
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|up tack}} or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic or the bottom element in a partial order |
− | | | + | |Held like an axe, the top of the T could be arced towards an opponent. Held like a wishbone, two hands could be used to try to drive the point into an opponent. |
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |⇀ |
|{{w|Vector notation}} | |{{w|Vector notation}} | ||
− | | | + | |A single-barbed spear. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |⎯⎯ |
− | |{{w|Fraction#Vocabulary|Fraction bar}} (division) or {{w|Overline#Math_and_science|overline}} (complex conjugate or mean) | + | |{{w|Fraction#Vocabulary|Fraction bar}} (division) or {{w|Overline#Math_and_science|overline}} (complex conjugate or mean). |
− | | | + | |Hairy is brandishing this symbol against Black Hat. The single shaft would allow it to be used in the manner of a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Of the symbols shown in the comic, Randall considers this one the most useful in a fight, presumably because of its greater reach than the vector arrow and its simplicity compared to the square root symbol. |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | |𝄞 |
− | |{{w|Treble clef}} | + | |{{w|Treble clef}} |
|Mentioned in the title text; this is not a mathematical symbol, but a musical symbol. The treble clef is a much more complicated symbol than those used in mathematics, hence the musician's "confidence" in his weapon. The curve at the bottom could be used as a hook, the upper curl could be used as a blunt weapon, and the tight curl of the center would serve as a better defensive shield than theta. | |Mentioned in the title text; this is not a mathematical symbol, but a musical symbol. The treble clef is a much more complicated symbol than those used in mathematics, hence the musician's "confidence" in his weapon. The curve at the bottom could be used as a hook, the upper curl could be used as a blunt weapon, and the tight curl of the center would serve as a better defensive shield than theta. | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | + | {{incomplete transcript|Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}} | |
− | + | [Heading] | |
− | + | ||
− | + | Mathematical Symbols | |
− | + | ||
− | + | [Subheading] | |
+ | |||
+ | by how useful they would be in a fight | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | more useful | ||
+ | |||
+ | ⟶ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ℝ ∅ > α π + Ψ ~ ⇒ ⋅ Γ √ ∮ ∫ ⇀ | ||
+ | θ ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ∂ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯ | ||
+ | |||
+ | [Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.] | ||
− | + | [The characters hold more "useful" weapons from left to right, correlating with the chart.] | |
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− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | [Megan is awkwardly handling a giant "ℝ".] | |
− | + | ||
+ | [White Hat is holding a "θ" with both hands, as a shield.] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [Cueball is holding an "∈" in both hands, with its "tines" pointed towards Blondie, who is swatting at him with a "#".] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [Ponytail is leaping at Danish, swinging a "ρ" like an axe, while Danish is leaning back and thrusting a "→" back at her.] | ||
+ | |||
+ | [Black Hat is swinging a long "√" like a polearm at Hairy, who is holding a long "⎯" defensively.] | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | - | ||
+ | List of symbols from left to right (by rightmost edge): | ||
+ | |||
+ | ℝ θ ∅ ∞ > ∪ α ∈ ∀ π ∂ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ ζ ⇒ ⋅ ℵ Γ 𝜌 √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥ ⇀ ⎯ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
− | + | [[Category:Math]] | |
+ | [[Category:Music]] | ||
[[Category:Charts]] | [[Category:Charts]] | ||
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[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Comics featuring Danish]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]] | [[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Cueball]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Blondie]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Blondie]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | ||
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[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]] | ||
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