Editing 816: Applied Math
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | + | {{w|Donald Knuth}} is a {{w|computer scientist}} that has written several computer science textbooks and he offers {{w|Knuth reward check|monetary rewards}} for anyone finding errors in his publications. The first error found in each book is worth US$2.56. Other suggestions are worth less than $2.56, but a check is still sent out if Dr. Knuth finds them to be reasonable. | |
− | [[Megan]] uses a proof to invalidate logic itself. ( | + | In this comic, [[Megan]] uses a proof to invalidate logic itself. Apparently she has proved (according to the logical notation [[File:contradiction.png]] at the bottom of the proof means "therefore, the proposition (statement) is true and the proposition is false". Specifically, ∴ means "therefore", ''P'' represents a given proposition being true, ∧ stands for "and", and an overbar negates a proposition (so ''<span style="text-decoration: overline">P</span>'' represents that proposition being false). It effectively means that something can be both true and not true at the same time. If this were proven true, it would indeed derail the very foundation of logic. It would result in the {{w|principle of explosion}}, which is referenced in [[704: Principle of Explosion|a previous comic]]. |
− | + | After Megan's friend confirms the validity of the proof, Megan writes a letter to Dr. Knuth to collect her money for the 1,317,408 errors in {{w|The Art of Computer Programming}} at $2.56 each, which have come about now that, according to Megan's new proof, basic logic is effectively meaningless. A computer science textbook would understandably contain a great deal of logic, and in fact, according to the amount Megan demands as a reward, this textbook apparently has more than 400 instances of logic per page (going by the latest edition of each volume). | |
− | + | In the title text is the reply from Dr. Knuth in which he uses Megan's logic disproving proof against her by claiming -- with no logical explanation -- that the amount of money she is in fact due as a reward is only 98 cents, presumably to a) get out of paying her over three million dollars, b) demonstrate his contempt for her proof, or possibly his disbelief that it is valid, and/or c) to show her, rather passive-aggressively, that she herself is not exempt from any ill effects resulting from her proof. | |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
:[Ponytail is standing at a whiteboard considering a logical proof. The proof assumes ''P'' and deduces ''P'' ∧ ''<span style="text-decoration: overline">P</span>''.] | :[Ponytail is standing at a whiteboard considering a logical proof. The proof assumes ''P'' and deduces ''P'' ∧ ''<span style="text-decoration: overline">P</span>''.] | ||
:Ponytail: Wow. I can't find fault with your proof. | :Ponytail: Wow. I can't find fault with your proof. | ||
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:[Ponytail is still looking at the white board, the frame expands to show Megan walking away, rubbing her hands together in an evil manner.] | :[Ponytail is still looking at the white board, the frame expands to show Megan walking away, rubbing her hands together in an evil manner.] | ||
− | :Ponytail: You've | + | :Ponytail: You've show the inconsistency - and thus the invalidity - of basic logic itself. |
− | :Megan: Excellent | + | :Megan: Excellent, on to step two. |
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:[Megan sits down at a desk and begins to write.] | :[Megan sits down at a desk and begins to write.] | ||
:Dear Dr. Knuth, | :Dear Dr. Knuth, | ||
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:[She continues to write.] | :[She continues to write.] | ||
− | :I am writing to collect from you the $3,372,564. | + | :I am writing to collect from you the $3,372,564.45 I am owed for discovering 1,317,408 errors in The Art of Computer Programming... |
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
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[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Ponytail]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Donald Knuth]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Donald Knuth]] | ||
[[Category:Logic]] | [[Category:Logic]] |