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2 + 2 = 5 for very large values of 2


charsibb

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Have heard the quote before, but never heard the explanation. Pretty interesting!

 

 

The statement is, "2 + 2 = 5 for very large values of 2." It's a joke about rounding and estimating. For instance, suppose you have your calculator set to round all numbers to integers (no decimal places) and the problem you're actually computing is 2.48 + 2.47. The calculator will automatically round, so when you punch 2.48 and ENTER, it will show up on the screen as 2. When you punch in the 2.47 and ENTER, it will also show up on the screen as 2. Then when you add, the sum 4.95 will be rounded to 5. Hence, 2 + 2 = 5 if the value of 2 is large enough.

 

It's a joke ... but a joke with a somewhat serious point. All measurements in the real world (as opposed to the esoteric whirled of mathematics) are estimates; they're always rounded to something. There's no such thing as absolute precision. So rounding must come into play sometime or other, and the joke about 2 + 2 = 5 if 2 is large enough, is a reminder about the way that estimation errors compound.

 

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1382/does-2-2-5-for-very-large-values-of-2

 

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So I guess that means 2 x 2 = 6. I love this math, would be entertaining to teach after the kids have their times tables down!

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So I guess that means 2 x 2 = 6. I love this math, would be entertaining to teach after the kids have their times tables down!

 

 

You are correct, sir!

 

Same data, different format, cut and pasted from XL. Ain't math wunnerful!!?!?

2.45    +    2.47    =    4.92

2.45    x    2.47    =    6.0515

                

                

2    +    2    =    5

2    x    2    =    6

 

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So I guess that means 2 x 2 = 6. I love this math, would be entertaining to teach after the kids have their times tables down!

 

 

You are correct, sir!

 

Same data, different format, cut and pasted from XL. Ain't math wunnerful!!?!?

2.45    +    2.47    =    4.92

2.45    x    2.47    =    6.0515

                

                

2    +    2    =    5

2    x    2    =    6

 

 

 

The thing is, when you're actually doing math, if you determine that you're using one significant figure, then that's what you multiply.  You wouldn't write 2 and then use 2.45.

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So I guess that means 2 x 2 = 6. I love this math, would be entertaining to teach after the kids have their times tables down!

 

 

You are correct, sir!

 

Same data, different format, cut and pasted from XL. Ain't math wunnerful!!?!?

2.45    +    2.47    =    4.92

2.45    x    2.47    =    6.0515

                

                

2    +    2    =    5

2    x    2    =    6

 

 

 

The thing is, when you're actually doing math, if you determine that you're using one significant figure, then that's what you multiply.  You wouldn't write 2 and then use 2.45.

 

 

 

LOL

 

59947428.jpg

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So I guess that means 2 x 2 = 6. I love this math, would be entertaining to teach after the kids have their times tables down!

You are correct, sir!

Same data, different format, cut and pasted from XL. Ain't math wunnerful!!?!?

2.45 + 2.47 = 4.92

2.45 x 2.47 = 6.0515

2 + 2 = 5

2 x 2 = 6

But it should be 2.48 and not 2.45

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Speaking of rounding....

In Colorado they have a highway sign that reads "mile 419.99" ...

Because the sign that read 420 kept getting stolen, presumably by pot heads.

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Speaking of rounding....

In Colorado they have a highway sign that reads "mile 419.99" ...

Because the sign that read 420 kept getting stolen, presumably by pot heads.

 

Now that's funny!

 

I didn't realize yesterday was 4/20 until I was testing the projection equipment sound last night and brought up youtube and just clicked the first video link without looking at it.

 

My students were VERY amused to see cops smoking pot in the classroom. Oops!

 

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