For those of us who have yet to memorize our multiplication tables, the concept of someone doing math for fun is as paradoxical as putting pineapple on pizza. Even so, Leigh Mercer (1893–1977) was known for being a recreational mathematician. In other words, he simply delighted in math.
We know… Weird, isn’t it?
Then again, it’s not the weirdest hobby we have encountered, as some of these articles will attest.
Anyway, back to Mercer… He is credited for making a limerick out of the following mathematical equation:
It can be expressed thusly:
A dozen, a gross, and a score
Plus three times the square root of four
Divided by seven
Plus five times eleven
Is nine squared and not a bit more.
If you liked that one, here is another mathematical limerick.
Categories: Brainteasers and Puzzles, Mathematics, Numbers
Excellent post…I love Math + have several Math history books!
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I can’t remember if I’ve already sent you this or not so here it is (again?):
The wonders of nature said he
are remarkably brought home to me
when I think that this clock
gives one tick and one tock every
every 2π√(l/g)
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That is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Do you know where that originated? It is worth a stand-alone post.
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