Math Riddle

[Willtor]

Sorry mate, I don't know what the i square root means. I haven't had a math class in years... Maybe it would work but I don't know.

Increasing is not my rule.

If sqrt(n) = m, then m * m = n.

So:
sqrt(1) = 1
sqrt(4) = 2
sqrt(9) = 3
sqrt(16) = 4

sqrt(-1) = i

i is a complex number. What number, times itself, is -1? i. It's basically a measure in another dimension from the typical 1-dimensional number line. It allows you to do things like represent vectors and rotations.

How about:
8
1023
1
3

 

[Sapiens]

If sqrt(n) = m, then m * m = n.

So:
sqrt(1) = 1
sqrt(4) = 2
sqrt(9) = 3
sqrt(16) = 4

sqrt(-1) = i

i is a complex number. What number, times itself, is -1? i. It's basically a measure in another dimension from the typical 1-dimensional number line. It allows you to do things like represent vectors and rotations.

How about:
8
1023
1
3

Ok I see. I don't think i has anything to do with my rule but we'll just ignore it for now if you don't mind.

Those four numbers you proposed all work with my rule.

 

[havevisions]

I don't know. Since pi works, it must be a positive real no.

 

[Sapiens]

I don't know. Since pi works, it must be a positive real no.

Good, continue. How would you express that as a rule?

 

[havevisions]

Any positive number expressable as an infinite decimal.

 

[Sapiens]

Well done my young padawan. Here's my rule: x>0

I'll try to explain the wisdom behind this exercise later. Now I'm tired and beginning a headache.

 

[havevisions]

I used to be a math instructor and many, many people accused me of giving them headaches.

 

[Willtor]

Well done my young padawan. Here's my rule: x>0

I'll try to explain the wisdom behind this exercise later. Now I'm tired and beginning a headache.

I think we're all waiting with bated breath, here.

 

[Sapiens]

Coming soon in a post near you.

 

[Sapiens]

Alright!

So since you guys are so intelligent, it didn't take so long. This is one of several exercises that my psychology teacher tried on us to show the flaws in our reasoning.

The first thing that I want to point out is the Confirmation Bias. That means, we conceive hypotheses in our mind to solve or understand problems. Like those solutions you guys proposed. The flaw is that we try to confirm these and seek only infos that do instead of looking out for what the answer really is. It goes further in that we even tend to ignore information that could contradict what we think.

My second point follows that one, I find this exercise very interesting because it teaches us on the importance of the scientific method and the scientific spirit. We must look for the truth and not just what we think it is. Through the process of trial and error we can verify or falsify our hypotheses. We need to have an open mind because often, we'll be forced to look at problems from an other angle to find the solution.

I find the scientific spirit (humility, curiosity and an open mind, skepticism and critical thinking) to be particularly relevant when debating. I am actually building an argument based on that right now.

 

[Lady Donna Marie]

[QUOTE="Sapiens,

Some characteristics of critical thinkers.