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. And then, she 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. Assuming only the latest edition of each volume is considered, the number of errors would average to more than 400 errors per page—that would imply that practically every single word is considered wrong by Megan. |
− | + | The text [[File:contradiction.png]] at the bottom of the proof is logical notation for "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). | |
− | + | In the title text is the reply from Dr. Knuth in which he uses Megan's logic disproving proof to show that the amount she requested is equal to 98 cents. This is an example of the {{w|principle of explosion}}, referenced in [[704: Principle of Explosion|a previous comic]]. | |
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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]] |