Editing 2042: Rolle's Theorem
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A {{w|theorem}} in mathematics is a statement that has been ''proven'' from former accepted statements, like other theorems or {{w|axiom}}s. This comic references {{w|Rolle's theorem}}. The theorem essentially states that, if a smoothly changing function has the same output at two different inputs, then it must have one or more turning points in between, as the derivative is zero at each one. As a special case, should the function remain flat between the two inputs, then its derivative is actually zero for every point between the inputs. To [[Randall]], this is obvious. However, the proof of this theorem is not as obvious as the result. | A {{w|theorem}} in mathematics is a statement that has been ''proven'' from former accepted statements, like other theorems or {{w|axiom}}s. This comic references {{w|Rolle's theorem}}. The theorem essentially states that, if a smoothly changing function has the same output at two different inputs, then it must have one or more turning points in between, as the derivative is zero at each one. As a special case, should the function remain flat between the two inputs, then its derivative is actually zero for every point between the inputs. To [[Randall]], this is obvious. However, the proof of this theorem is not as obvious as the result. | ||
| β | The seeming triviality of the theorem, coupled with the honour bestowed on the theorem namer, leads Randall to make a comparison to attendees of art museums who look at abstract art pieces and perceive only an apparent technical simplicity in the work. Such a visitor might exclaim "My child could paint that!". However, such works of art typically are seen as having value from attributes other than the painterly difficulty in achieving the piece. For example, an artist's work in this style may be lauded for its visionary qualities, or the emotions expressed through the choice of colours or textures. One such artist is | + | The seeming triviality of the theorem, coupled with the honour bestowed on the theorem namer, leads Randall to make a comparison to attendees of art museums who look at abstract art pieces and perceive only an apparent technical simplicity in the work. Such a visitor might exclaim "My child could paint that!". However, such works of art typically are seen as having value from attributes other than the painterly difficulty in achieving the piece. For example, an artist's work in this style may be lauded for its visionary qualities, or the emotions expressed through the choice of colours or textures. One such artist is [http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zqhgr82 Jackson Pollock]. The 'clueless' visitor does not see these aspects and believes their child could imitate the piece. Randall suggests he experiences a similar feeling looking at Rolle's Theorem and noting only the obvious correctness without acknowledging the complicated nature of the proof, or other hidden aspects of the theorem. |
In the title text, Randall mentions a line together with a ''coplanar'' circle. This simply means that both those two-dimensional objects must lay in the same plane in a higher, three-or-more-dimensional space. And by this means, every line drawn through the center of a circle is just a diameter which divides it into two equal parts. Even if this fact is trivial, {{w|Proclus}} says that the first man who proved it was {{w|Thales of Miletus|Thales}}. Auctioning of {{w|naming rights}}, also noted in the title text, refers to the practice of naming entertainment venues for companies which pay for the privilege, such as any of the three {{w|Red Bull Arena}}s or {{w|Quicken Loans Arena}}. (See [https://www.reddit.com/r/math/comments/pgj3og/are_there_any_theoremsobjects_involving_company/ "Are there any theorems/objects involving company names."] on r/math.) Furthermore, "Rolle's" sounds like "Rolls", a common abbreviation for the {{w|Rolls-Royce Motor Cars|Rolls Royce}} brand implying possible sponsorship by the British car manufacturer. The naming of mathematical theorems (along with lemmas, equations, laws, methods, etc.) is [http://www.maa.org/external_archive/devlin/devlin_09_05.html not always straightforward] and {{w|List of misnamed theorems|often results in misleading names}}. | In the title text, Randall mentions a line together with a ''coplanar'' circle. This simply means that both those two-dimensional objects must lay in the same plane in a higher, three-or-more-dimensional space. And by this means, every line drawn through the center of a circle is just a diameter which divides it into two equal parts. Even if this fact is trivial, {{w|Proclus}} says that the first man who proved it was {{w|Thales of Miletus|Thales}}. Auctioning of {{w|naming rights}}, also noted in the title text, refers to the practice of naming entertainment venues for companies which pay for the privilege, such as any of the three {{w|Red Bull Arena}}s or {{w|Quicken Loans Arena}}. (See [https://www.reddit.com/r/math/comments/pgj3og/are_there_any_theoremsobjects_involving_company/ "Are there any theorems/objects involving company names."] on r/math.) Furthermore, "Rolle's" sounds like "Rolls", a common abbreviation for the {{w|Rolls-Royce Motor Cars|Rolls Royce}} brand implying possible sponsorship by the British car manufacturer. The naming of mathematical theorems (along with lemmas, equations, laws, methods, etc.) is [http://www.maa.org/external_archive/devlin/devlin_09_05.html not always straightforward] and {{w|List of misnamed theorems|often results in misleading names}}. | ||
