Math with Bad DrawingsCartoon Archive

Definition of Math

July 27, 2018

A fan of math's precise definitions can't define 'math' itself.

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Free for classrooms, worksheets, slides and other non-commercial use under CC BY-NC 4.0, with credit to Ben Orlin.

Cartoon by Ben Orlin, Math with Bad Drawings. https://cartoons.mathwithbaddrawings.com/2018-07-27-definition-of-math/ (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Transcript

A: "You know what I love about math? It's the only domain where definitions are clear and precise. No fuzzy boundaries between concepts." B: "I see. So how would you define 'math'?"

A: "It's... you know... the number thingy... with all the triangles..." B: "I see what you mean. Fuzzy definitions are the worst."

Topics
Math Culture › Nature of MathMath Culture › Vocabulary & NotationLogic & Proof › Definitions
Level
All Ages
Themes
Math CultureSelf-ReferenceLanguage & Wordplay