Mathnificent Word of the Week

A Math WoW is when you take a common word and apply its mathematical definition to relatable real life experiences.

Here’s an alphabetical list of all the Math WoWs to date.

additive

/’ad-ǝ-div/

adjective

Distributing over addition; cumulative.

“When Sonya shared her project plan, the team realized that her additive process would allow for each person to have multiple opportunities to comment and give input throughout the entire process.”

When you employ an action that is additive, there is intention from the get-go to touch all the entities currently involved plus ...

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affine

/ɘ-’fīn/

adjective

Allowing for or preserving parallel relationships.

“Carmen created affine groups within her company so that any future organizational shifts would, in theory, automatically balance out across the board.”

Affine is just like self-similarity but the carbon-copy action has those shapes scaling in different amounts in only some of its directions…

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argument

/är-gyǝ-mǝnt/

noun

The variable on which the value of the function depends; a variable that affects a functions result.

“It helped that Phil’s argument was presented with solid reasoning that was delivered in a calm and respectful tone of voice.”

In the world of mathematics, arguments have a necessary presence in just about every function because they are the very definition of the value …

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bifurcation

/ˌbīfərˈkāSHən/

noun

When a small change in a parameter results in a qualitative change in the long-term solution.

“Rebecca remembers exactly when the bifurcation occurred because she felt complete trust in her gut with her decision.”

A bifurcation starts because of a small change in a parameter…

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braid

/brād/

noun

In a three-dimensional space, an intertwining of 2 or 3 or more strings anchored at their beginning and end points.

“Since the ends of the braid were completely stabilized, Stacey examined the crossovers from every possible angle.”

The beauty of a braid is that it can offer you a new perspective…

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choose

/’chüz/

verb

How to read the number of ways of picking unordered outcomes.

“When it is time to choose which direction to take, Mary knows if she recites each possibility out loud, she’ll gain clarity.”

Choosing to do something is a personal and intentional act. I mean, even choosing to do nothing…

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clique

/’klik/

noun

Within a multi-node graph, the largest closed subset that has at least 3 nodes where every pair of nodes has mutual connections.

“Once Maggie knew she was dealing with a 7-node clique, not a 7-node group, she knew the information flow would be different.”

The word clique may bring up memories of exclusivity, but that’s exactly what we like about it in math…

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condition

/(kǝn’diSHǝn/

noun

A requirement necessary and indispensable for a given statement or theorem to hold.

“There were many times that Catherine had to emphasize that by accepting the existence of a new condition means to also accept that a new process would be needed for success."

In the mathematical definition of ‘condition’, there’s a significant descriptor to pay attention to – the word: requirement…

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congruence

/kǝn-’grü-ǝn(t)s/

noun

In Euclidean geometry, an equal or equivalent relation of a set of figures if one can be taken to the other by a motion.

“After taking a moment to consider the different perspectives as they moved towards each other on their own accord, André was able to see their absolute congruence.”

Here, congruence is all about the realities of considering different perspectives of observation through movement that’s mandatory…

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cyclic

/’sī-klik/

adjective

Where every element of a group can be expressed as one of its powers, and is arranged as if on a circle, so that the first element follows the last.

"Gerald’s plan was to transform the never-ending cyclic structure into a finite straight structure, in order to make room for some new movement.”

As humans, some of our patterns of behavior evolve, while other patterns just repeat and repeat and repeat…

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difference

/’dif-er-uhns/

noun

The result of the subtraction of a number or a quantity from another.

"It was clear by her actions that Lisa was determined to uncover the differences in the stories she was told."

Instead of comparing the quality of our differences, what if we considered what quantitatively separates us…

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efficiency

/i-’fi-shǝn-sēl/

noun

A quantitative measurement represented by the ratio of useful outputs to used inputs, where the greatest value is minimizing waste (of time, energy, or resources).

“Because of the efficiency in Donna’s well-researched process, the staff was happier and employee turnover decreased.”

Efficiency is the quest to balance the ratio of Useful Outputs : Useful Inputs…

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elimination

/ih-li-mǝ-nā-shǝn/

noun

To remove one or more variables from consideration in a system of simultaneous equations.

"Knowing that making this one elimination would have a far-reaching effect is the reason that Jennifer agreed to it."

This type of elimination has a broader reach, like kicking a habit that gets your health back on track and also solves some bad relationship patterns...

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eventually

/i-’ven(t)-sh(ǝ-)wǝ-lē/

adverb

Formalizes the long term behavior of fulfillment by the addition of a thing or point that is known to exist but is currently not present or attainable.

“No one questioned that Marilyn would eventually receive her desired rewards for her efforts.”

When the word eventually is used in mathematics, there’s an accountability marker…

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expression

/ik-’spre-shǝn/

noun

A mathematical statement that contains at least two numbers connected by an operator.

“The expression on Curtis’ face revealed only one side of the story.”

The value that any expression contributes to any sort of exchange of information IRL is just one side of that conversation…

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extended

/ik-’sten-dǝd/

adjective

Described by a point attached to but lying outside (rather than on or within) the circumference of a circle.

“When they were asked to take on additional work,  Jules visualized how much her energy would be extended and, in equal measure, visualized where she’d need to contract it.”

When extended, you’re consciously reaching far outside of yourself, but it’s a mathematical fact that there’ll be a balance of saving some energy…

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function

/’fǝNG(k)SHǝn/ 

noun

A relationship or expression including one or more variables.

“Nat knows that every person, and every tool, that’s utilized is a function of the group’s success.”

There’s nothing in the common definition that calls out the significance of relationships that the word function has in math…

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locus

/’lō-kǝs/

noun

The set of all points at a designated location that satisfies a condition.

“Amy knew that the locus for the production crew was going to be the loft space above the sound stage.”

In the definition of locus, the word ‘satisfy’ plays prominently; when something – or someone – is satisfied, then a need has been fulfilled…

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lune

/lün/

noun

A plane figure bounded by two crescent shapes in which one crescent curves outward and the other crescent curves inward.

“Instead of wishing upon a star, Sandy had taken to looking up into the night sky and wishing upon a lune.”

95%+ of the time you look up at the moon, you’re seeing a lune shape…

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martingale

/ˈmärtnˌɡāl/

noun

A sequence of random variables for which, at a particular time, the average value that's expected to appear next is equal to the present value, no matter what all the prior values were.

“After some consideration, Kristan was excited about making a martingale decision and venturing down a new path.”

What a lovely sounding word for something that has everything to do with risk…

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merge

/’mǝrj/

verb

The combination of two or more ordered lists into a single ordered list.

“When driving, Laureen was emphatic about merging at the  last possible minute, in the spirit of efficiency for all her fellow drivers.”

The key here is efficiency because this is all about two orders becoming one order, not just two becoming one…

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neighborhood

/ˈnā-bər-hood/

noun

The set of all points with distance from a given point strictly less than a specified value.

As she drew on the graph, Ms. Stoltz explained how to define the neighborhood within a triangle or a rectangle.”

One of the most important things in mathematics are relationships, and the worth of generating & maintaining them for everyone involved…

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operator

/ ä-pɘ-,rā-tɘr/

noun

A mapping between two function spaces.

“When Brian was asked to be the official operator for the project, he knew that a consistent documentation process would be the key for him to be successful in that role.”

The mathnificent bit of an operator is that its’ output must have a specifically well-defined quality…

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or

/ɘr/

noun

At least one, if not both, are true.

“When Ruth realized that choosing the first or second option would have beneficial - albeit different - outcomes for the team she stopped stressing about it."

In ye ol’ math world, the word or is used as an inclusive word, a word that makes a connection…

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parity

/per-ǝ-tē/

noun

The attribute of a number being even or odd; a type of symmetry that has an equivalence of left and right.

“It’s impressive how much Kel prioritizes his time to ensure there is universal parity on his leadership team.”

The quest for attaining parity can feel like you’re on the search party for a chameleon…

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permutation

/pər-myooˈ-tā-SH(ə)n/

noun

An ordered arrangement of a specified number of objects selected from a set.

Shelley insisted it was necessary to take a short-term financial hit in order to carry out a moral permutation of the process.”

The math definition dictates that there’s a very specified order to a specified number of items & actions in order to get to the finish line that is desired…

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point

/pȯint/

noun

A zero-dimensional mathematical object that indicates an exact location in space that cannot be defined in terms of previously described objects or concepts.

Though he was just made aware of the point, Matt knew that he could absolutely stand by its position.

A point marks the beginning – of a line, of a shape, of…well, anything and everything…

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proof

/prüf/

noun

A formalized and concise sequence of statements that supports the truth of a given theorem.

“There was no doubt that Tatiana’s proof would be accepted, based on her consistently thorough research and documentation.”

Mathematician Jay Cummings says, “Math is a search for objective truths, while proofs are the search for subjective agreement.”…

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reformulate

/ree-fawr-myuh-leyt/

verb

To differently devise an existing mathematical model so that its properties remain intact while making it more efficient.

“Though it wasn’t going to be easy, Sammi knew that she’d have to carefully reformulate the entire process to account for their obvious barrier to success.”

Reformulating is about honoring your original formula, paying attention to the internal workings (that work), and making alterations for efficiency and ease…

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root

/rüt/

noun

A value that satisfies or solves a given equation.

When Lidia showed me the root,  I realized how important it was to check on it every once in awhile.”

I had never before considered placing a characterization of value upon this word, a value that satisfies a problem so that you can reach your goal…

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scheme

/’skēm/

noun

The functions that must satisfy the conditions and the compatibility demanded within a topological space.

“The scheme was a success because the responsibilities were properly distributed and well-rehearsed.”

Though commonly thought of as a plan with undercurrents of sneaky or even dishonest – in math, it’s the opposite for the word scheme, where it’s all about transparency, and a bit of risk…

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sharp

/’shärp/

adjective

An indication that a constraint is optimal and cannot be further reduced without losing its top status.

“There’s no if, and, or buts; if Ben says that object is sharp, then you know that you need to be careful when handling it.”

Mathematicians don’t throw around the word sharp all willy-nilly. They’re very loyal to the word’s original context…

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solid

/’sä-lǝd/

noun

A closed three-dimensional figure.

"Even though Paul knew the object was solid, it still surprised him to find out how heavy that made it."

The simplicity of this definition leaves no room for interpretation. It’s a confirmation. It’s an absolute. There’s nothing if, and, or fluid about it…

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substitution

Tdorante10CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

substitution

/sǝb-stǝ-’tü-shǝn/

noun

A strategy for solving systems of equations that include solving for one variable and using that solution to find the other variable.

"It became common practice that Reggie would consider making a substitution at the halfway point of the process, for the betterment of the entire project."

Sometimes while working a plan there is new information about a key element that’s casually served up, yours for the taking and for the re-positioning…

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wave

/(wāv/

noun

A partial differential equation representing a disturbance that moves through space or matter.

“To find that perfect moment of equilibrium in the ocean, Fernando evaluated all the functions at play.”

The most important sum sum summertime calculation of them all; you’re looking for the mathematical shift…

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