OK. I have returned to being all at sea with the numerals at the climax of After Doomsday, 15.
See Donnan's Second Moment Of Realization And A Solution?
Arabic And Kandemirian Numerals, The Latter Replaced By Roman Letters
0 L
1 A
2 B
3 C
4 D
5 E
6 F
7 G
8 H
9 I
10 J
11 K
12 AL
Arabic And Monwaingi Numerals, The Latter Replaced By Roman Letters
0 R
1 M
2 N
3 O
4 P
5 Q
6 MR
We are told that:
BA=NQ=25
- and that:
ABIJ=MOQMP=2134
How come?
OK. I realize where I am going all wrong again. But I had to write it all out like this again before I realized. Maybe Anderson/Donnan could have explained it in more detail for the benefit of non-mathematicians.
14 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I admit I took on faith Donnan and Sigrid's explanations of what these complexities meant the times I read AFTER DOOMSDAY.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
I am not mathematically mind but can manage to work out what is going on. In the Kandemirian or any other duodecimal system, symbols corresponding to "25" mean not "(2 x 10) + 5" but "(2 x 12) + 5" so it looks wrong until you allow for the different number base which is what some Monwaingi technician was doing while programming a Kandemirian missile.
Paul.
not mathematically minded
Kaor, Paul!
I agree these complexities can be grasped if readers are willing to make the effort needed to follow the reasoning.
Started reading Heinlein's CITIZEN OF THE GALAXY. Maybe I'll reread AFTER DOOMSDAY when I finish CITIZEN.
Ad astra! Sean
Yeah, I could do algebra but ordinary math drove me nuts in high school. Got A+ grades in most things but a barely passable C in math.
Students used to have to pass an exam in general subjects before starting a degree course.
I knew a graduate who could not understand the proof that there is no highest prime number and dismissed it as "gobbledegook." He also did not understand either logic or scientific method but was full of negative opinions about them. With that attitude to knowledge, I do not think that he deserved to hold a degree.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling and Paul!
Mr. Stirling: It takes a special talent for anyone to be really good at math.
Paul: And that's how education should be done. I've thought more than once that a revival of the medieval educational system of the trivium and quadrivium would be beneficial. Revised, of course, to accommodate genuine advances in knowledge. With no concessions to Politically Correct nonsense or blather about "dead white males"!
Ad astra! Sean
"Nonsense" and "blather" are abuse.
Kaor, Paul!
Except there are people who are guilty of such absurdities.
Ad astra! Sean
Paul: the problem is that intelligent people are very good at convincing themselves of what they want to believe.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
That's a huge reason why I am so skeptical and distrustful of all radicals.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Exactly the same point applies to all conservatives.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Real conservatives are also distrustful of themselves, because they know how flawed and imperfect all human beings are. Prone to folly and blundering.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Real radicals are highly self-critical.
Paul.
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