Maths - How Does This Figure?

[Lynn_M]

It's impossible writing this down using a keyboard, so imagine this: A large figure 2 with a small figure 4 in its top right hand corner. I can tell you now that the answer is 16, but I can't figure out how it's done. If the numbers were reversed, it would make sense (4 squared is 16)

Have we got a maths genius out there who can explain this?

[ll_billym]

2⁴

[aelmpvw]

^ nor should there be

[New Judge]

The debate in this case, Prudie, was started really by OG. He suggested that Lynn's question could have related to 2 to the power of 4 or 4 to the power of 2. Fortuitously as it happens, the answer to both those expressions is 16. But as ichkeria quite rightly points out, x to the power of y does not always equal y to the power of x.

[Ellipsis]

> It's impossible writing this down using a keyboard, so imagine this: A large figure 2 with a small figure 4 in its top right hand corner.

ll_billym has just shown that it wasn't impossible to write it using a keyboard, but more normally you would say "two to the power four" and type it as 2^4 ("^" is shift-6 on a standard keyboard and incidentally is known as a caret (pronounced "carrot")).

[Mamyalynne]

You make a good point about how it is written/explained - I only ever read these questions because although I know how to do them , explaining them is not my strong point.

However when I first read Lynn's post I visualised the '4' inside the upper curve of the '2' and outside not to the upper right of it.


That's my useless addition to this interesting thread.

[-Talbot-]

My money is on a C&P, Ellipsis

[sandyRoe]

2². alt+ 253

[sandyRoe]

2³. Though there doesn't seem code for ^4

[ll_billym]

2⁴

[Prudie]

Look my comment was just about the funny side, you see it in crosswords all the time too.
One person will answer correctly, 6 more people will also answer correctly, 1 might give you an essay response on how to do it from first principles and usually 2 or 3 interject with the wrong answer.
However I'm flattered TTT that you think I've such a high and mighty opinion of myself that I'd put it in print.

Is there nothing in News today for you to get your teeth into?

[Mamyalynne]

I knew what you meant Prudie and it often makes me smile too, I click to see if a better or different answer has been given as the thread grows.

Mind you, I am as bad as anyone - I have added nothing of any mathematical use here.

[jennyjoan]

you may get your answer lynn if you google it.

[Arksided]

From slackbladder:

Edmund: Two beans and two beans makes what...
Baldrick: A very small casserole

[Prudie]

Thanks mamya, there was nothing snotty meant by it at all.

[Mamyalynne]

Jennyjoan for besty, perfect answer. ;-)

[Lynn_M]

Best Answer goes to Fitzer for a good explanation, and since there were a few, on the First Past the Post principle

[kawakiri]

Let that be an end to it. :-)