Editing 2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight
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The comic invokes {{w|Surreal humour|surreal humor}} 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. | The comic invokes {{w|Surreal humour|surreal humor}} 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. | ||
− | The title text refers to a {{w| | + | The title text refers to a {{w|Treble 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. See also the last entry in the table below. |
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==Table of symbols== | ==Table of symbols== | ||
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|<span style="font-size:150%"> ℝ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ℝ</span> | ||
− | |The set of | + | |The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s |
|[[Megan]] seems to be struggling with a giant version of this symbol because of its weight. A very strong person might find it slightly more useful as a bludgeon. | |[[Megan]] seems to be struggling with a giant version of this symbol because of its weight. A very strong person might find it slightly more useful as a bludgeon. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> θ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> θ</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[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.) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∅</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∅</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[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. Alternatively, the round nature of the symbol makes it easier to handle for defense, by holding on to the line and using the edge of the circular part to block. | |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. Alternatively, the round nature of the symbol makes it easier to handle for defense, by holding on to the line and using the edge of the circular part to block. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∞</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∞</span> | ||
− | | | + | |infinity |
|Could be gripped between the rings and used as a blunt instrument. | |Could be gripped between the rings and used as a blunt instrument. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ></span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ></span> | ||
− | + | |Greater than | |
− | |Could be used to thrust with the point, but lacks a grip by which to do so. If held by one leg, the angle and balance is wrong to use it as a pick. Could also be used as a | + | |Could be used to thrust with the point, but lacks a grip by which to do so. If held by one leg, the angle and balance is wrong to use it as a pick. Could also be used as a [[wikipedia:Boomerang|boomerang]]. |
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∝</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∝</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Proportionality_(mathematics)#Direct_proportionality|Direct Proportionality]] (not to be confused with lowercase {{w|Alpha#Mathematics and science|alpha}}) |
|Could be brandished by the ring and used to thrust with the prongs, but the two prongs extending at 90-degree angles make thrusting motions awkward. | |Could be brandished by the ring and used to thrust with the prongs, but the two prongs extending at 90-degree angles make thrusting motions awkward. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∪</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∪</span> | ||
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|union (set theory)}} |
|Could be used as a boomerang, which is {{tvtropes|PrecisionGuidedBoomerang|notoriously less practical in real life than in fiction}} | |Could be used as a boomerang, which is {{tvtropes|PrecisionGuidedBoomerang|notoriously less practical in real life than in fiction}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∈/ϵ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∈/ϵ</span> | ||
− | |{{w|Element (mathematics)| | + | |{{w|Element (mathematics)|member of}} (set theory) or the "lunate" lowercase {{w|Epsilon#Symbol|epsilon}} |
− | |[[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 | + | |[[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. |
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> π</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> π</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Pi|pi]] |
|Could be used as a hammer, but the two handles would make doing so impractical. | |Could be used as a hammer, but the two handles would make doing so impractical. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∀</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∀</span> | ||
− | |"{{w|Universal quantification| | + | |"{{w|Universal quantification|for all}}" |
|Could be held by the crossbar clenched in a fist, and then used as a {{w|push dagger}}, with the legs acting as a guard. Or could be held by the legs. | |Could be held by the crossbar clenched in a fist, and then used as a {{w|push dagger}}, with the legs acting as a guard. Or could be held by the legs. | ||
Compared to the similar Δ (delta) the point is sharper, the grip is closer to the point so it would be easier to control (keep the weapon from twisting). It is unclear why it is listed as much less effective than the delta. Perhaps the guard legs are too long? | Compared to the similar Δ (delta) the point is sharper, the grip is closer to the point so it would be easier to control (keep the weapon from twisting). It is unclear why it is listed as much less effective than the delta. Perhaps the guard legs are too long? | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∂</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∂</span> | ||
− | |{{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. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> +</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> +</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Plus_and_minus_signs#Plus_sign|Plus]] |
− | |Maybe thrown like a {{w|shuriken}}? It could also be used like | + | |Maybe thrown like a {{w|shuriken}}? It could also be used like [[wikipedia:Kylo Ren|Kylo Ren]]'s lightsaber. |
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> Ψ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> Ψ</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[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|Sai (weapon)|sai}} (which, funnily enough, is | + | |It could be used as a slightly-less-functional trident or pitchfork, with a shorter handle. More particularly, it resembles a {{w|Sai (weapon)|sai}} (which, funnily enough, is how "Psi" is pronounced). |
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ≠</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ≠</span> | ||
− | | | + | |not equal sign |
|Could be gripped by the crossbar, using the lengths to puncture. Notably, the equal sign (=) is absent from the chart, likely because the lengths are separate and would not be used as a single entity. | |Could be gripped by the crossbar, using the lengths to puncture. Notably, the equal sign (=) is absent from the chart, likely because the lengths are separate and would not be used as a single entity. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ~</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ~</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Tilde#Mathematics|tilde]], meaning "approximately", equivalent, or several transforms of a function |
|A potentially dangerous throwing weapon. Could also be similar to a wavy bladed dagger ({{w|Kris}}) or a sword ({{w|Flame-bladed sword}}). | |A potentially dangerous throwing weapon. Could also be similar to a wavy bladed dagger ({{w|Kris}}) or a sword ({{w|Flame-bladed sword}}). | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> #</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> #</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Cardinality|Cardinality]], [[wikipedia:Connected_sum|connected sum]] (knot theory), or [[wikipedia:Primorial|primorial]]. |
|[[Blondie]] uses this symbol, gripping it by two of the prongs on one side. The other three prongs could thus be swung at opponents, but being sharp on all sides would pose a threat to the user as well as the opponent. | |[[Blondie]] uses this symbol, gripping it by two of the prongs on one side. The other three prongs could thus be swung at opponents, but being sharp on all sides would pose a threat to the user as well as the opponent. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> Δ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> Δ</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]] |
|Could be held with one bar clenched in a fist, and then used as a {{w|push dagger}}. It is unclear why listed as much more effective than ∀. Also, delta could be thrown like a star. | |Could be held with one bar clenched in a fist, and then used as a {{w|push dagger}}. It is unclear why listed as much more effective than ∀. Also, delta could be thrown like a star. | ||
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|<span style="font-size:150%"> ⇒</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ⇒</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[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, if the shape is drawn "closed" at the back) would be difficult to wield. A collection of them might make a nice defensive pike line. | |The point is nice, but having two poles (or one board-like thick handle, if the shape is drawn "closed" at the back) would be difficult to wield. A collection of them might make a nice defensive pike line. | ||
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|<span style="font-size:150%"> ⋅</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ⋅</span> | ||
− | | | + | |decimal point (or multiplication sign) |
|Functionally a ball, and could therefore be thrown as a projectile weapon, or scattered on the ground as a trip hazard. | |Functionally a ball, and could therefore be thrown as a projectile weapon, or scattered on the ground as a trip hazard. | ||
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|<span style="font-size:150%"> ℵ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ℵ</span> | ||
− | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]] |
|The irregular shape of the symbol leads to edges and points on all sides; thus it could be brandished or thrown in the manner of a shuriken. | |The irregular shape of the symbol leads to edges and points on all sides; thus it could be brandished or thrown in the manner of a shuriken. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> Γ</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> Γ</span> | ||
− | | | + | |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. | ||
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|<span style="font-size:150%"> ''ρ''</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ''ρ''</span> | ||
− | |{{w|Prime_constant| | + | |{{w|Prime_constant|italic rho}} |
|[[Ponytail]] is brandishing this symbol against [[Danish]], apparently using it like a club or hammer and striking with the curve. | |[[Ponytail]] is brandishing this symbol against [[Danish]], apparently using it like a club or hammer and striking with the curve. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∮</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∮</span> | ||
− | |{{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'. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|<span style="font-size:150%"> ∫</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ∫</span> | ||
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|integral}} |
|Could be used in the manner of a shepherd's crook, or as a {{w|Bill (weapon)|billhook}}. Could be used as a {{w|spear thrower}}, combined with ⋅ or ⇀. | |Could be used in the manner of a shepherd's crook, or as a {{w|Bill (weapon)|billhook}}. Could be used as a {{w|spear thrower}}, combined with ⋅ or ⇀. | ||
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|<span style="font-size:150%"> ⊥</span> | |<span style="font-size:150%"> ⊥</span> | ||
− | |{{w| | + | |{{w|up tack}} or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic, perpendicular lines in geometry, or the bottom element in a partial order |
− | |Used as a {{w|war hammer}} (held by the long stem) | + | |Used as a {{w|war hammer}} (held by the long stem), the opponent would be struck with either leg of the top of the T. Held by the short legs (like a wishbone), could be used as a two handed sword. |
(If tipped with a knapped stone head, it could become a {{w|Folsom point|falsum point}}.) | (If tipped with a knapped stone head, it could become a {{w|Folsom point|falsum point}}.) | ||
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