-41
2+2=4 but what if 4 didn't exist?
(lemmy.world)
TIL Jaden Smith is on Lemmy
If 4 did not exist, then you would be using a base-4 quarternary numbering system (which is able to use the numbers 0,1,2,3)
The system will be similar to how our base 10 numbers work, but instead of counting to 9 before adding a trailing zero and becoming 10, you would count to 3. So 2 plus 2 would roll past 3, and equal 10.
Could also be using a base 3 or binary system. Or the ever elusive base 1 system.
How many of those do you have?
111
Technically a base 1 system cannot exist (effectively), because it would mean you were counting from zero (nothing). All base systems for real "math" have to index from null. You couldn't even count using 0, 00, 000, 0000 because how would you know if the first 0 indicated actually zero, or was it the first item? You could only identify it by the absence of all marks, which doesn't work in math or any modern setting.
Number systems are weird. I hate math sometimes.
In an oddly appropriate way, base 1 simply uses 0s to add a place holder for each counted item. In other words ‘4’ base 1 is ‘0000’. It exists but it defeats the purpose of symbolic representation of counted items by requiring the observer to count the digits.
"Two plus two is... ten. IN BASE 4, I'M FINE!"
Have you ever considered
Yes, but Has Anyone Really Been Far Even as Decided to Use Even Go Want to do Look More Like?
Perchance
Posting while high should be a bannable offence.
Literally 1984
Then you have modular arithmetic.
2+2=1
If you’re working in modulo 3 arithmetic.
because 4 doesn't exist...
...I suppose it could also be 10.
or 11 if 3 doesn't exist either
There are only 10 types of people in the world...
You’ve inadvertently hit on the beginnings of an apparent paradox to do with the relationship between numbers and the counting numbers
Suppose the largest number you can have is X and the smallest number you can have is -Y. Then between -Y and X, you can count X+Y numbers which is clearly larger than X. But X is the largest possible number so X+Y doesn’t exist.
suppose the largest number
Gotta stop you right there. A largest number doesn't and can't exist. If we introduce one, paradoxes arise all over the place and the whole system falls apart.
This is not StonerThoughts.
Oh so that's why big brother is telling everyone that 2+2=5 man if only the administry of truth did a better job at explaining his conclusions we wouldn't have a need to re educate people
2 2
this post was submitted on 31 Aug 2023
-41 points (19.4% liked)
Showerthoughts
29525 readers
532 users here now
A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. The best ones are thoughts that many people can relate to and they find something funny or interesting in regular stuff.
Rules
- All posts must be showerthoughts
- The entire showerthought must be in the title
- Avoid politics (NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out)
- Posts must be original/unique
- Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS