explain xkcd - User contributions [en]

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:48:27Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ define not equal sign

{{comic
| number = 2343
| date = August 7, 2020
| title = Mathematical Symbol Fight
| image = mathematical_symbol_fight.png
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

This panel imagines which 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 "more dangerous" side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left 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, are not known for fighting{{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", where the points, because they were one-dimensional, were very dangerous. 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.

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.

{| class="wikitable"
! Symbol
! Meaning
! Notes on using in a fight
|-
|ℝ
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s
|-
|∅
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]
|-
|>
|Greater than
|-
|α
|Alpha
|-
|π
|Pi
|-
| +
|Plus
|-
|Ψ
|Psi
|-
|~
|tilde, meaning "approximately"
|-
|⇒
|rightwards double arrow, meaning "implies"
|-
|⋅
|multiplication sign
|-
|Γ
|uppercase Greek letter gamma
|-
|√
|square root sign
|-
|∮
|contour integral
|-
|∫
|integral
|-
|⇀
|…
|-
|
|…
|-
|θ
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]
|-
|∞
|infinity
|-
|∪
|union (set theory)
|-
|∈
|member of (set theory)
|-
|∀
|"for all"
|-
|ǝ
|…
|-
|≠
|not equal sign
|-
|#
|…
|-
|Δ
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]
|-
|ζ
|Zeta
|-
|ℵ
|[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]]
|-
|𝜌
|italic rho
|-
|→
|…
|-
|⊥
|up tack or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic
|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.
|-
|⎯⎯
|…
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge
|-
|-
|𝄞
|Treble clef
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.
|}

==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 ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ǝ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯

[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]

[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant "ℝ".]

[White Hat is holding an "∅" 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 another (?) Megan, swinging a "ρ" like an axe, while Megan 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, in order of farthest extent to the right:

−
ℝ θ ∅ ∞ > ∪ α (E) ∀ π ǝ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ (???) ⇒ (.) ℵ (hangman) (P) √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥ ⇀ ⎯

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}}

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:47:55Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ expand definitions

{{comic
| number = 2343
| date = August 7, 2020
| title = Mathematical Symbol Fight
| image = mathematical_symbol_fight.png
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

This panel imagines which 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 "more dangerous" side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left 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, are not known for fighting{{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", where the points, because they were one-dimensional, were very dangerous. 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.

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.

{| class="wikitable"
! Symbol
! Meaning
! Notes on using in a fight
|-
|ℝ
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s
|-
|∅
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]
|-
|>
|Greater than
|-
|α
|Alpha
|-
|π
|Pi
|-
| +
|Plus
|-
|Ψ
|Psi
|-
|~
|tilde, meaning "approximately"
|-
|⇒
|rightwards double arrow, meaning "implies"
|-
|⋅
|multiplication sign
|-
|Γ
|uppercase Greek letter gamma
|-
|√
|square root sign
|-
|∮
|contour integral
|-
|∫
|integral
|-
|⇀
|…
|-
|
|…
|-
|θ
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]
|-
|∞
|infinity
|-
|∪
|union (set theory)
|-
|∈
|member of (set theory)
|-
|∀
|"for all"
|-
|ǝ
|…
|-
|≠
|…
|-
|#
|…
|-
|Δ
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]
|-
|ζ
|Zeta
|-
|ℵ
|[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]]
|-
|𝜌
|italic rho
|-
|→
|…
|-
|⊥
|up tack or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic
|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.
|-
|⎯⎯
|…
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge
|-
|-
|𝄞
|Treble clef
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.
|}

==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 ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ǝ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯

[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]

[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant "ℝ".]

[White Hat is holding an "∅" 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 another (?) Megan, swinging a "ρ" like an axe, while Megan 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, in order of farthest extent to the right:

−
ℝ θ ∅ ∞ > ∪ α (E) ∀ π ǝ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ (???) ⇒ (.) ℵ (hangman) (P) √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥ ⇀ ⎯

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}}

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:46:37Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ expand definitions

{{comic
| number = 2343
| date = August 7, 2020
| title = Mathematical Symbol Fight
| image = mathematical_symbol_fight.png
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

This panel imagines which 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 "more dangerous" side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left 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, are not known for fighting{{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", where the points, because they were one-dimensional, were very dangerous. 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.

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.

{| class="wikitable"
! Symbol
! Meaning
! Notes on using in a fight
|-
|ℝ
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s
|-
|∅
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]
|-
|>
|Greater than
|-
|α
|Alpha
|-
|π
|Pi
|-
| +
|Plus
|-
|Ψ
|Psi
|-
|~
|tilde, meaning "approximately"
|-
|⇒
|rightwards double arrow, meaning "implies"
|-
|⋅
|multiplication sign
|-
|Γ
|uppercase Greek letter gamma
|-
|√
|square root sign
|-
|∮
|contour integral
|-
|∫
|integral
|-
|⇀
|…
|-
|
|…
|-
|θ
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]
|-
|∞
|…
|-
|∪
|…
|-
|∈
|…
|-
|∀
|…
|-
|ǝ
|…
|-
|≠
|…
|-
|#
|…
|-
|Δ
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]
|-
|ζ
|Zeta
|-
|ℵ
|[[wikipedia:Aleph_number|Aleph number]]
|-
|𝜌
|italic rho
|-
|→
|…
|-
|⊥
|up tack or falsum, indicating a false proposition in logic
|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.
|-
|⎯⎯
|…
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge
|-
|-
|𝄞
|Treble clef
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.
|}

==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 ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ǝ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯

[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]

[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant "ℝ".]

[White Hat is holding an "∅" 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 another (?) Megan, swinging a "ρ" like an axe, while Megan 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, in order of farthest extent to the right:

−
ℝ θ ∅ ∞ > ∪ α (E) ∀ π ǝ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ (???) ⇒ (.) ℵ (hangman) (P) √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥ ⇀ ⎯

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}}

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:45:03Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ brief descriptions

{{comic
| number = 2343
| date = August 7, 2020
| title = Mathematical Symbol Fight
| image = mathematical_symbol_fight.png
| titletext = Oh no, a musician just burst in through the door confidently twirling a treble clef.
}}

==Explanation==
{{incomplete|Created by a SQUARE ROOT SCYTHE. Please mention here why this explanation isn't complete. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.}}

This panel imagines which 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 "more dangerous" side of the scale, and symbols with less reach and more curves tend towards the left 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, are not known for fighting{{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", where the points, because they were one-dimensional, were very dangerous. 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.

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.

{| class="wikitable"
! Symbol
! Meaning
! Notes on using in a fight
|-
|ℝ
|The set of [[wikipedia:real number|real number]]s
|-
|∅
|[[wikipedia:Empty set|Empty set]]
|-
|>
|Greater than
|-
|α
|Alpha
|-
|π
|Pi
|-
| +
|Plus
|-
|Ψ
|Psi
|-
|~
|tilde, meaning "approximately"
|-
|⇒
|rightwards double arrow, meaning "implies"
|-
|⋅
|multiplication sign
|-
|Γ
|uppercase Greek letter gamma
|-
|√
|square root sign
|-
|∮
|contour integral
|-
|∫
|integral
|-
|⇀
|…
|-
|
|…
|-
|θ
|[[wikipedia:Theta_function_(disambiguation)|Theta]]
|-
|∞
|…
|-
|∪
|…
|-
|∈
|…
|-
|∀
|…
|-
|ǝ
|…
|-
|≠
|…
|-
|#
|…
|-
|Δ
|[[wikipedia:Delta_(letter)|Delta]]
|-
|ζ
|Zeta
|-
|ℵ
|Aleph
|-
|𝜌
|italic rho
|-
|→
|…
|-
|⊥
|…
|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.
|-
|⎯⎯
|…
|Held on one end, this could be used to stab the point, or hit with the edge
|-
|-
|𝄞
|Clef
|Could potentially be 'twirled' like a {{w|quarterstaff}}, {{w|bō}}, or other {{w|stick-fighting}} weapon. Loosely resembles a Klingon {{w|bat'leth}}.
|}

==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 ∞ ∪ ∈ ∀ ǝ ≠ # Δ ζ ℵ 𝜌 → ⊥ ⎯

[Below the (number?) line, eight characters fight each other, using some of the symbols mentioned above as weapons.]

[Megan is awkwardly handling a giant "ℝ".]

[White Hat is holding an "∅" 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 another (?) Megan, swinging a "ρ" like an axe, while Megan 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, in order of farthest extent to the right:

−
ℝ θ ∅ ∞ > ∪ α (E) ∀ π ǝ + ≠ Ψ # ~ △ (???) ⇒ (.) ℵ (hangman) (P) √ → ∮ ∫ ⊥ ⇀ ⎯

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}}

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:37:12Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ Fix misformatted +

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:36:26Z

Alan: last uncertain symbol is italic(?) rho

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:35:13Z

Alan: /* Transcript */ mystery symbol is probably zeta

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:34:40Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ Mystery symbol is probably zeta

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:32:57Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ add empty set

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:30:22Z

Alan: /* Transcript */ triangle to Δ

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:29:52Z

Alan: /* Explanation */ stub in rest of table

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:22:34Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:22:10Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:21:31Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:19:37Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:18:44Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:16:02Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:13:16Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:12:00Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:09:23Z

Alan: /* Transcript */

2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight

2020-08-07T20:07:27Z

Alan: Transcript in progress VERY ROUGH