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An engineer's rant
I am devastated. The latest xkxd joke (hit rate of 25% funny) popped up. It was based on eπi = 1 and a layperson's reaction. But it was about 20 comments before anyone pointed out that eπi = -1. Who are these people?
Euler’s Identity is an exquisite, unforgettable example of mathematical elegance.
eπi + 1 = 0
And even better, for engineers, his name’s pronounced oiler.
With a little more thought it's clear that the joke would have been only mildly amusing; most people can't see why they should care. The funnier thing is the way those who do care, including me, react to the misquote.People have different precious things.
The icon is simple harmonic motion. If you've recognised what I've said above, you’ll understand.
Euler’s Identity is an exquisite, unforgettable example of mathematical elegance.
eπi + 1 = 0
And even better, for engineers, his name’s pronounced oiler.
With a little more thought it's clear that the joke would have been only mildly amusing; most people can't see why they should care. The funnier thing is the way those who do care, including me, react to the misquote.People have different precious things.
The icon is simple harmonic motion. If you've recognised what I've said above, you’ll understand.