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Controversy Over 140-Year-Old Math Problem

sciencehabit writes "British mathematician Darren Crowdy has been bragging all week about how he solved a 140-year-old math problem, as we discussed a few days ago. But three American mathematicians say they had the critical idea first."

13 of 64 comments (clear)

  1. History Repeats by immcintosh · · Score: 4, Funny

    Newton? Meet Leibniz.

  2. Indeed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    No one cares that you engage in fist sports.

  3. What did the three American mathematicians say... by Trivial_Zeros · · Score: 4, Funny

    Q: What did the three American mathematicians say to the British mathematician? A: FIRST!!!!!

  4. Grow up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Q: What is the difference between a Ph.D. in mathematics and a large pizza?
    A: A large pizza can feed a family of four...

    Please continue fighting for who thought the solution first.

    More at http://www.math.ualberta.ca/~runde/jokes.html

  5. Re:American team didn't publish... by berashith · · Score: 1, Funny

    Why not check the wiki every five minutes. Whoever can keep their name in the article longest is the winner!

  6. Offtopic by apdyck · · Score: 4, Funny

    The British guy got in his First Post, but was modded -1 Offtopic by three American moderators.

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  7. Re:Its not the thought that counts by dkleinsc · · Score: 2, Funny

    For instance, Lobachevsky, at least according to Tom Lehrer. (For those of you sound-deprived, enjoy the lyrics).

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  8. Re:FIST SPORT! by The+Aethereal · · Score: 5, Funny

    You may have posted first, but I thought of posting before you did.

  9. -50 off-topic by WombatDeath · · Score: 5, Funny

    Two mathematicians, let's call them Bob and Tarquin, were in a café discussing the woeful state of mathematical ignorance amongst the general public. Bob excused himself to visit the restroom and Tarquin beckoned over the waitress.

    "Would you mind helping me with a small bet?" he asked. "When my friend returns I'm going to ask you a question, and I'd like you to reply 'X cubed'. OK?"

    The waitress looked mystified but agreed to do as requested. A few minutes later, Dave returned and the two men resumed their earlier conversation.

    "It's not all that bad," said Tarquin. "I bet you $10 that even this slack-jawed troll of a waitress can do basic calculus".

    "You're on!" scoffed Dave.

    So they beckoned the waitress over. Tarquin gave her a surreptitious wink and said "I wonder if you could help my friend and I settle an argument - can you tell me the integral of three X squared?"

    The waitress pondered for a moment and replied "Easy: X cubed".

    Tarquin grinned smugly at Dave as the waitress walked away. And then, over her shoulder, she added: "Oh yes: plus a constant".

    1. Re:-50 off-topic by Ecuador · · Score: 4, Funny

      I loved the joke, even though I probably missed part of the fun.
      For example I didn't get the part where Bob goes to the restroom and Dave returns.
      Thanks for the laugh! ;)

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    2. Re:-50 off-topic by Ecuador · · Score: 3, Funny

      Wait, you are saying that Bob didn't just go to take a piss, he really went to the restroom to meet someone for his other "needs" and so when you say Dave returns... hmm... no... I still don't get it. :D

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  10. Re:Darren isn't one to brag by Cragen · · Score: 2, Funny

    Actually, the slip of the keyboard is perfect. "aloud" instead of "allowed"? Perfect. "Allowed to be loud" is now "Aloud"! Have a great weekend, All!

  11. Re:I get it by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 2, Funny

    I thought of it way before even them, I just couldn't fit it in the margin of my log book!

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