Ask a Slacker: IIII or IV?
How come clocks and watches denote 4 o'clock with IIII instead of IV?
There's about a hundred different theories about this. The only problem is, each answer to this one only brings up more questions...One theory is that clock makers wanted some congruity on the face of the clock - and IIII balances better with VIII than IV would.
Another simply states that the Romans actually used "IIII" to denote the number 4, and that IV is a relatively modern invention. Of course that doesn't explain why 9 is "IX" and not "VIIII."
I saw an equation somewhere that proved mathematically that 1 = 2. How can that be?
Quite simple really: math errors. Here's an example of the proof you're talking about (there's a few ways to do this)Let's say that x = 1.Weird huh? Not really - there's a big mistake in the math, and it's easy to spot it if you don't use the variable. Like this:
Then we know that x² = 1.
So x² - 1 = x - 1
factoring the left side out tells us (x - 1)(x + 1) = x - 1
dividing out the (x-1) leaves:
x + 1 = 1 and since x = 1 then we have:
(1) + 1 = 1 or:
2 = 1Let's say that 1 = 1.
Then we know that 1² = 1.
So 1² - 1 = 1 - 1
factoring the left side out tells us (1 - 1)(1 + 1) = 1 - 1
or (0)(2) = (0)
dividing out the (0) leaves:
Nothing! You can't divide by zero!
Do you think that we should get rid of the Electoral College system?
Personally, no I don't - although I haven't entirely convinced myself.I can tell you this though - it's not going anywhere for a long time. The Electoral College was developed to give the states more power in electing the prosident. Smaller states would never support its abolishment, and it takes 38 of the 50 States to ratify a constitutional amendment.
Why are people whining that our next president won't have a "clear mandate from the people?"
Because they're stupid. Trust me, neither Bush nor Gore care if they have a "mandate," they just want to win the election. If I was running for president and I won by one vote - I'd be thinking, "Hey, glad I voted."
Thanks to all who contributed. You have a stumper? Send it on in!