Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller for February 25, 2009
Transcript:
Danae: This is gonna revolutionize math, Kate. First you decide what answer you want to get... Kate: Um...ok... Danae: Then all you have to do is make up an equation that fits, and -boom- problem solved! Kate: But...um...that's not how the real world works... Danae: Sure it is...it's the right answer, isn't it? Kate: Yes, but... Danae: Well, that's all that matters. Kate: But...but... Danae found a loophole in the numbers-don't-lie principle. Joe: Again?
Joe_Minotaur over 15 years ago
I offer this appology to Wiley. While theology and politics are worthy of debate in an open society, such discussions should not be used to stigmatize those who do not share our beliefs or portray them in an unflattering manner. Mr. Miller is most correct in asking that the comments be confined to the strip of the day or to Mr. Miller himself, his art and the message/humor he is trying to include.
c00k13m0n5t3r over 15 years ago
As everyone can confirm who studied at least a bit of statistics, I can safely say that there are many loopholes in the “numbers don’t lie” principle. Numbers tell you what you want to hear or tell to others.
Bittermelon of Truth over 15 years ago
I wonder if Danae’s method is reform mathematics as explained in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_mathematics (also known as anti-math)
RamonBoixadera over 15 years ago
Danae still on the way to become an economist, huh?
ARF2 over 15 years ago
When will Danae’s New Math become a category on Jeopardy?
Wildmustang1262 over 15 years ago
I betcha Danae will not always be right to answer on that math; otherwise, her Math teacher will give her a “F” on her homework.
Silvrfrog2 over 15 years ago
Numbers don’t lie theory
prasrinivara over 15 years ago
I can picture Danae claiming, “math is a religion–you need to have faith that when you do something to these numbers, you get this one; why does it have to be that answer only? And they’re forcing this religion in schools to those even who don’t want it!”
Or worse, making the above claim in a call to the UN.
ChadSexington over 15 years ago
its funny because that is sort of how math works…she is just about 15 years ahead of herself…she keeps this up and she will do fine in her masters in mathematics
ozzimandius over 15 years ago
Wiley just keep on Keepin on, yer doin great bud, and rarelly is there a day that you dont at the very least casue a smile to cross my face.
johnnydoc5 over 15 years ago
“Again?” I love it.
Digital Frog over 15 years ago
Figures never lie, but any liar can figure…
WoodGracie over 15 years ago
DigitalFrog says:
Figures never lie, but any liar can figure…
Hmmm…go figure! ;)
Radical-Knight over 15 years ago
Kate seems a little upset.
drewmanchu over 15 years ago
Danae looks a little young to have such a firm grasp on Differential Equations. Most people don’t get to that level until college, if ever.
lazygrazer over 15 years ago
I can remember presenting a very simular theory to my parents when we were discussing my report card.
attyush over 15 years ago
Well, in a different context, but those very same principles, are being applied everywhere across the globe. You have a solution, so you fit it to whatever problems you can.
Works well for most…so I guess Danae will do fine too. She would grow up to be a politician or a CEO. On second thoughts, nah…she is much too talented…
bmonk over 15 years ago
ROLF! I do remember once when I and a math prof were able to work back to a math puzzler he’d seen a while before that. The only information was not the answer, but the kind of answer to the puzzler. I still think that was a stellar example of reasoning. (It was about the time that Car Talk had the puzzler about Bluto’s and Popeye’s batting averages in Major League Baseball.)
katiedidit over 15 years ago
math
treered over 15 years ago
i can’t wait to see what happens when reality hits and she crashes, or does she become prezident?
Ermine Notyours over 15 years ago
And the answer is: 42
GrumpyOldbear over 15 years ago
“There are lies, d@mn lies and statistics.” S.L.Clemens Danae will do well as a statistician or pollster.
oCinneide over 15 years ago
Don’t we all love Mark Twain? ”Golf is a good walk spoiled.”
Of course the answer is 42, isn’t that the only answer??
haveforkwilltravel over 15 years ago
Well, that IS how the real world works, at least in funded research where 88.9% of statistics are made up on the spot.
x_Tech about 14 years ago
haveforkwilltravel said, about 1 year ago
“Well, that IS how the real world works, at least in funded research where 88.9% of statistics are made up on the spot.” I would have said 86.4% but that’s just off the top of my head.