I know it, I’ll admit it loud and proud: I am not a number person. At all. I can’t do mathematical equations, remember formulas and sometimes, I can’t even count or add properly.
Most of the time I carry a calculator on me, just in case. However, as I’ve learned from first-hand experience, there is a hidden secret to Waterloo that I now feel the need to put out in public for all to know.
A friend and I hit the jackpot in the cafeteria one day a while ago. Seeing as how he and I are completely mathematically-impaired, we couldn’t figure out this simple multiplication, and being the smart kids we are of course, he came up with the wonderful idea of throwing out the question randomly and hoping someone would answer it. It was a long shot, but we agreed it was worth a try.
I kid you not, ladies and gentlemen – I swear to you this is a true story – a random someone answered our question!
When I shared this story with some Mathie friends, they all laughed and declared that they were most definitely proud of the fact that they could calculate almost anything off the top of their heads or recite Pi to a hundred decimals.
So, anyway, I just thought I’d tell my little story for all to hear. I thought it was amusing, and it undoubtedly comes in handy every once in a while, too. Unfortunately, I have to get back to studying and getting work done now… We’re down to 7 days of class left before exams begin, so crunch time has obviously sunk in across campus. Let’s hope everyone survives!
P.S.: Please don’t take this post as though I’m telling you to actually not bring a calculator with you to university. If you are in a maths-based program or are taking any classes that need you to carry a calculator, do it. Throwing out a random question during an exam will more than likely guarantee you a 0, so it’s probably a better idea to bring one than take a gamble like that. But I’m just saying.
December 2, 2006 at 7:15 am |
I think I’ve heard that saying before: “When at UW, you don’t need a calculator. Just yell out the question to no one in particular and a Mathie will answer”. Looks like it’s true
Oh, and I need to ask you about some AHS-related stuff at some point that you might be able to provide me with some insight on.
December 20, 2006 at 5:12 am |
Mathies don’t use calculators. Everything passed first year is usually too theoretical to involve numbers. Sure, someone might use it to give them a hand in evaluating the Euclidean algorithm, but that’s still something you can do on paper given enough time.
Writing the question on bathroom stalls is also a very good method to having someone else answer your question; just make sure it’s an MC bathroom!
August 10, 2007 at 1:53 pm |
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