Editing 2343: Mathematical Symbol Fight
Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
The edit can be undone.
Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then save the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
| Latest revision | Your text | ||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
==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. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
{| 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 | |
| − | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |∝ |
| − | | | + | |[[wikipedia:Proportionality_(mathematics)#Direct_proportionality|Direct Proportionality]] |
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |∪ |
| − | |{{w| | + | |{{w|union (set theory)}} |
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |∈/ϵ |
| − | |{{w| | + | |{{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 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 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 | + | Compared to the similar Δ (delta) the point is sharper, the grip is closer to the point so it would be easier control (keep the weapon from twisting). Unclear why it is listed as much less effective than the delta. Perhaps the guard legs are too long? |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |∂ |
| − | |{{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. Could also be similar to a | + | |A potentially dangerous throwing weapon. Could also be similar to a dagger ({{w|Kris}}) or a sword ({{w|Flame-bladed sword}}), with a wavy blade. |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |# |
| − | | | + | |[[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}}. Unclear why listed as much more effective than ∀. |
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |⇒ |
| − | | | + | |[[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, 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 ⇀. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |→ |
|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 |
| − | |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. |
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |⇀ |
|{{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 ∅ > ∝ 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.] | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | [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 ∅ ∞ > ∪ ∝ ∈ ∀ 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]] | ||
| − | |||
[[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]] | ||
| − | |||
[[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Black Hat]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Hairy]] | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
