For the math heads in the crowd
 

I subscribe to a site called Cantor's Paradise, which includes interesting stories about different facets of mathematics.

A famous mathematician, and subject of a book or two, is Srinivasa Ramanujan. His contributions are legion. Well, here is something that I didn't know about him. He proved that

1 + 2 + 3 + ⋯ + ∞ = -1/12

Yep. The sum of the integers through infinity equals -1/12. Turns out to be an important result, especially for quantum mechanics and string theory.

A short and very accessible article can be found here:
https://medium.com/cantors-paradise/...2-a8cc23dea793

Math is weird.

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Obviously, I'm Not A Math Wiz, Mark! That Makes My Head Hurt!:r:D:tu

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

And what is the sum if you subtract infinity? :D

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

I came up with 6...boy, was I way off :r

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

x2!

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Interesting concept, the solution being a "math oddity" almost in that it is a valid solution but the practicality of the solution may not be there in real life.

Interesting to see that they move it back to the original string theory but as they mention doesn't apply to Supersymmetry.

I just reread A Brief History of Time and going through The Universe in a Nutshell.

Cool stuff and goes way over my head quickly.

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

I mean... when looking at every number ever 6 is pretty close :banger

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Here is a pic of my "fun" math books, well, except for the CRC which is there to help me understand some of the rest.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attach...1&d=1612890765

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

This is TRUE math.

https://archive.org/details/acacebf9...c9b353ef934495

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

That is awesome! Just reading some of the titles makes the gears start to smoke!

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

I don't see Godel, Escher, Bach there. :confused: ;) :D

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

It's on another shelf. So are many others.

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Well, here are a few

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/attach...1&d=1612901332

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Unless it's counting money, I am not into math.

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

I use my math to make money. I find it more productive than just counting.

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

I rely on good looks and charm.

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Is that why I am so poor? :confused:

Re: For the math heads in the crowd
 

Yes