Kurt's Thoughts

This is just fantastic.  This guy’s awesome.  I’m equally amazed that someone else hasn’t done this before and posted it to the Internet.  This might create a trend… and the best part is the memo.

So of course the next step is to try to hunt down this Randall Patrick Munroe, right?  That’s naturally the first thing I did when I received this in my inbox.  And sure enough…

http://beerandnews.wordpress.com/2007/01/03/checkmate-randall-patrick-munroe/#comment-458

Talk about adding to the hilarity:  Look at all the sliderule-types in the comments section:  I used to get beat up in school for making comments similar to what’s written. 

I mean, I’m a definitely a geek and sometimes I would classify myself as a nerd (especially when I’m rambling on & on about the differences between illegally defined track-based and precision data placement CDROM copy protection or the percentage edge obtainable in a Vegas strip casino on a 6:5 payout game with surrender versus a 3:2 without… blah blah blah… gettin’ the picture?)…

…but the comments on Randall’s page for this check?  PURE DORK.  They’re actually analyzing the equation and critiquing him on his math.  Here’s a sampling:

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noob mathematicians ;-p the total is essentially 0.

e^([pi]i) = -1
just like ln(-1)=[pi]i

i, indicates an imaginary number which has a few different calculations than real numbers. You can do it by hand, or just say ’screw it’ and use a TI-83 or equivalent.

∑1/2^n = 1

Even though beginners will translate it as .999… that number is a fallacious number, and is thus translated as 1. (Just like 2/3 is equal to .666…, 3/3 = .999… AND 1)

And finally, when dealing with money, anything less than a cent, can NOT be rounded up to a cent. It is in fact rounded down.

Plan and simple, he gave them a check for nothing… and is refusing to pay his bill.

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The “i” imaginary number is factored out. e^ix = cos(x) + i*sin(x) (Euler’s Law); since sin(pi) = 0, the “i” is factored out — and cos(pi) = -1. Then the series shown does not equal “1″, but rather pi^2/6 (it’s a power series expansion). What you’re left with is:

0.002 – (pi^2)/6,

or roughly -$1.64. Which tells me that Mr. Munroe must have had a credit of $1.64 on his account… 🙂

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That check is made out incorrectly. The numerical part on the right side is acceptable, but the “Dollar Line” is totally unacceptable because that line is supposed to be written in word form, and not a repeat of the numerical value. Verizon should have refused to accept it and maintained a balance due on the account. HOWEVER, the whole idea is terrific!