P1ayer-1/eli5-questions · Datasets at Hugging Face

title stringlengths 1 312	post_id stringlengths 5 7	over_18 bool 2 classes	subreddit stringclasses 1 value	link_flair_text stringlengths 2 63 ⌀	self_text stringlengths 1 32k ⌀
ELI5: Why does 360° make a full circle? Why isn't it a round number like 100?	8jb7v7	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
I just proved math to be false	8k1o5k	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Why does the ratio of years between two people keep changing ?	8k8alf	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Hello everyone , My nephew has asked me about why the ratio between my and his age keep changing and what significant it has vs the difference between our ages ? for example i am 10 years old and he is 1 years , difference is 9 but the ratio is 10 , three years later i am 12 years old and he is 3 the ratio changed from 10 to 4 .
ELI5: Maths geniuses of Reddit, what’s cosh?	8kc16d	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: Why is the Mandelbrot-Set contained in a disk with a radius of 2 arround (0\|0)?!	8ks35t	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I've been studying the Mandelbrot-Set for the last few months and I understand pretty much everything (or atleast I think so, lol) but I just dont understand why the hell the mandelbrot-set doesnt go beyond this disk. I know, that Zn will go to infinity if it is >2, but I would like to understand WHY. Im too stupid to understand the proof :D TL;DR Why does Zn go to infinity if it is >2? I hope it was understandable; THX.
What is a strictly convex deltahedra?	8kyckc	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: What are the values that solve Fermat's Last Theorem	8lg79z	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: how is this possible or where is the math wrong?	8lz7xk	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	(1/3=0.33333) (2/3=0.66666) (0.6666+0.3333=0.9999) (1/3+2/3=1)
ELI5: How do I integrate a mathematical expression using integration by parts?	8m87x4	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Why can't we find the volume of a sphere by integrating cone elements?	8m8l1m	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Knowledge of calculus required to answer. So our physics teacher gave us a problem about calculus. We had to derive the volume of a sphere. I used cone elements such that they had a height equal to the radius of the sphere and their circular faces touching the surface of the sphere. So, height=R and base area=dA I integrated the cone elements from lower limit 0 to upper limit being the surface area of the sphere which is 4 x pi x R^2. The answer was correct, but the physics teacher told me there was a slight drawback to me using the cone element. He said that because cones have base as circle, the base of the cone would not cover the complete surface area of the sphere as gaps would be left in between. He suggested I use square pyramid elements instead, as squares can completely cover any area. Now, my question is this: Wouldn't the circular faces of the cone cover the surface of the sphere if the base area tends to 0, which it was? TLDR Physics teacher says that square pyramid elements are better options to use as elements to find the area of a sphere with integration, with the base area tending towards zero, as compared to cones. Reason being that square bases will cover entire area of sphere while circular bases would not. Why?
ELI5: Is there any concept of "time-adjustment" in statistics, just like value of money?	8mxde4	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Money, because of inflation, varies in value from year to year, so we usually make adjustments to isolate the effects of inflation when comparing values across different years. Does this concept apply to other things, ranging from Youtube views to number of casualties to trade in goods? (I think these values are subject to "inflation" just like money, for example, it's easier to get the same amount of Youtube views today than in the past few years)
ELI5: why are certain mathematical concepts easier than others, such as the multiplication table for 5?	8mzkzw	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: what are the odds that an 18 year old has stomach cancer?	8n02yj	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: How do you decide between an Orthogonal and Oblique Rotation in Factor Analysis, when factor structure is complex?	8n0lhw	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[deleted]
ELI5: Which cipher is used only dots (.), ones (1), zeros (0) and spaces?	8n72ci	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: What is permutational MANOVA (or PERMANOVA)?	8nc0si	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
Eli5 Monty Hall problem/paradox	8nkxwy	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Why and when is Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling preferred over Monte Carlo sampling?	8vsuxu	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: How should I think about multiplying different units?	8w00ku	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	This is how I think about basic multiplication. When I have 3x5 it could mean that I have THREE SETS of FIVE APPLES and that is 15 (apples total). But when I have for example N x m and I get a Joule? Or Pressure times Volume (PV)? What does it mean multiplying pressure by volume? Is Newton (or pressure) here something like a set? But how? Can someone explain please?
ELI5 why do we use a base 10 numbering system? What are the advantages over any other base number?	8wdfwk	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Why do codes and IDs use numbers instead of letters, which would allow more information density and probably be easier to remember?	8wti4q	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	For example, instead of, say, social security numbers being in the form 123-45-6789 which has 10^9 possible combinations, you could use a 7 letter combo to get the same amount of possibilities. While it might not be easier for a computer to store, it would definitely be easier for humans to remember. In addition, since using letters has a better chance to spell out something vaguely pronounceable, or at least are easier to turn into mnemonic devices, it seems like using letters in place of numbers for codes would make them much easier for humans to manage. Why do we use numbers for zip codes, SSNs, etc?
ELI5, The snapping for r/thanosdidnothingwrong looked to ban random users 1by1. Was this truely a 50% probably to be banned if it re-randomized for ever snap?	8xkfiv	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: How exactly do leap days work?	8xr5u5	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Sure the calendar and the earth's actual orbit are drifting and earth's rotation is not exactly 24 hours (23:56 to be exact) so that remainder keeps on accumulating till it's big enough to skip and reset after four years? Now here's my first real problem. If that was the case, shouldn't time be drifting against daylight? For example to such an extent where midnight looks like twilight? My second problem is that the extra 4 minutes * 365 days *4 years = 4 days and 80 minutes, Yet we only add one day to the 365. Please help!
ELI5: What makes a permutation odd or even?	8ywhol	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: Maths logic problem	8yzc0m	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: If a piece of tape were π metres long, would it be infinitely long.	8z5zcd	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
What is the friendship paradox problem in network theory and how does the reasoning work?	900fi1	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5 What relevance does the Fibonacci Series have with nature. Why is it so important?	90gue7	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: the significance of convexity in optimization	920mqg	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Searching tells me a lot about what convex optimization is, but not why convexity is important or significant.
ELI5: What is the Euler-Mascheroni constant?	92jqfb	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5 What are octonions in Math and how are they relevant/important in Physics?	92li5n	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I just read a Wired article on this and it completely went over my head despite reading it again. I'm not even sure if I'm phrasing the question right. https://www.wired.com/story/the-peculiar-math-that-could-underlie-the-laws-of-nature/
ELI5: Why can the infinite coastline paradox not be solved?	92ph76	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Why couldn't you just go to a molecular level, or grains of sand?
What exactly is Calculus?	92w2fm	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
How does negative probability (for lack of better words) work? I.e. X is 10 times less likely to occur if you put Y into Z.	934raz	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: How does negative probability (for lack of better words) work? I.e. "X is 10 times less likely to occur if Y is applied."	934sb6	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I know that if it's "10 times more likely" it would be something like X times 10? But my limited knowledge of math says if you multiply a negative number to a positive it becomes negative so I can't quite wrap my head around how something is "10 times less likely" if it is applied on real object because they can't be negative? Also how do you express this in math form?
Eli5: music time signatures	936l5l	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	What exactly are they? How does it relate to the rhythm of the song and how do you identify a pieces time signature?
ELI5: base 12 numbering	93a0ym	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Integration and Integrating by parts	9daswm	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Got into beginning of calc 2 and we are learning some new ways to integrate, but out of all the new methods, I have yet to see the use of integrating by parts. I'm somewhat comfortable with both of them, but my problem is knowing when to use which one. For example, when given an equation like ∫xsin2x dx, why do I have to integrate by parts instead of doing ∫x dx * ∫sin2x dx ? Also, my biggest concern is if there's like some tale tale signs that I should integrate by parts?
ELI5: how is it possible to exist something and have ending point in real life which's length is ended by .333 or .077 thus by infinite digits?	9e47h0	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: word problem	9eae53	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: The Yoneda Lemma	9f1gbp	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	And I do mean like I'm five-- not like "I'm six and have Stacy's mentat on speed dial" or "I'm eleven and just gobbled up all the Melange on Chad's coffee table (so STFU)". As Caleb Gallo said to Freckle: "Tell me all about it!"
ELI5: What is the difference between permutations and combinations.	9f3nnl	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I cannot for the life of me get the difference between permutations and combinations. My teachers have explained multiple times, claiming that permutations tends to refer to order and arrangement, whilst combination usually “choosing from a group of people or committee”. While I do get these, I do not understand why arranging a committee of five boys and three girls for example under no restriction requires the use of permutations. I mean their names aren’t even specified and if theres no restriction should’t that mean that theres no “order”? Ok at this point I just sound stupid and all but really is there no any other way to differentiate when to use both? I’ve been reading math articles on google and watching videos but when it boils down to doing the question I am still as confused as ever.
ELI5: Why average of subset averages returns a different result than average by the raw data?	9f5i4c	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: limit floor of x?	9ffmf1	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: In non-mathematical terms, what are people who study octonions trying to figure out?	9fhtkh	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Many of the explanations of octonions I've read seem to be entirely theoretical. I recognize that octonions are not visible and that what they are trying to prove/figure out is largely theoretical, but what is the point of figuring them out or using them? I suppose I don't so much need a definition of them, as I'm asking for information about their use. For example, "They're used to try to find out more about the connection between gravity and weight." Can anyone help me understand?
ELI5: Math Induction	9fmxyo	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	This is the only thing thats holding me back on maths, i can do a lot of geometries, but this single topic is the worst for me.
ELI5: What does that artistic spiral made of boxes of increasing size mean?	9g8eab	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Without visualizing any objects, how can one prove that 1+1=2 ?	9gnxrp	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: How do roots of unity work in complex numbers?	9gvbw5	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: What are the steps to finding out inverse functions of cubic functions in general (of course, ones whose y-values always have only 1 corresponding x-value)?	9gzv9j	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Like this one: https://www.symbolab.com/solver/function-inverse-calculator/inverse%20f%5Cleft(x%5Cright)%3Dx%5E%7B3%7D%2Bx
ELI5: Why does random walk in 3D not have a probability of returning to the origin when given infinite time?	9hmsb5	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I was told that random walk in 2D is guaranteed to return to the origin given infinite time (probability = 1). However, random walk in 3D doesn't not guarantee a return to the origin when given infinite time. Why is this? If given infinite time, shouldn't the probability in 3D also be 1? I know that this has been explained before (https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7i3jl7/eli5_how_is_it_that_random_walks_in_2d_are/), but the 5-year old in me needs a more dumbed down explanation, as I have no background in math.
ELI5: What are Negative Indices and how do you work them out?	9hs04b	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: Dirichlet L-functions and their applications to number theory	9hvnym	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: r (341) = .84, p < .001. What do the 341 and the .84 represent?	9hy9ey	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
Apparently the odds of winning the lottery are 1 in 77 million in Australia (I'm happy for that to be corrected if it's wrong). If you bought a ticket every week, what are the odds you'll go your entire life without winning?	9i3o3c	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: How is infinity represented mathematically?	9ic4b2	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I know that infinity is merely a concept, however it must have some sort of presence within mathematics.. someone care to explain?
ELI5: What practical applications has research into patterns in prime numbers yielded?	9ic5at	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
Eli5: how can a percentage pass 100%	9jbeyo	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I’m watching the movie Paddington and the dad is a risk analysis and said “having a bear in the house increases the chances of a natural disaster by 4000%” And my favorite mascara (Better Than Sex) says it “increases your lash volume by 1944%” What does this mean? I always thought 100% was the maximum. I hope my question makes sense.
Why do we use (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) to determine the hypotenuse of a right triangle? Why not just (a + b = c)?	9jv1o2	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Fibonacci sequence	7newdk	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
[ELI5] What is the math behind noise functions used to build complex terrain?	7nl5bm	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: If 94% of my A-levels were at A*/B, how many a levels did i do?	7nx4ak	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Number Wheeling in Lotto Tickets	7o7bwf	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	With a 550M jackpot, I'm suddenly curious how this works
ELI5:Does a random number generator work on equal probability for all numbers it generates?	7o9fzj	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: What is happening in this gif?	7oez4v	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5 What is tensor calculus and how is it used?	7ooq7s	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: If 20% of 1000 have a certain trait, would the ratio be stay the same if it were 10,000 people? Or does the % gradually diminish?	7oot01	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[deleted]
How do computers calculate random numbers without random inputs?	7ostmi	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: How do hashing functions avoid collisions?	7ozvdh	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	If you have a 256 bit hash with 2^256 possibilities and run every file ever created, would there be collisions?
Eli5: Are numbers and mathematics written and performed the same way in all languages and cultures?	7q8m65	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Is there a general representation for the rate at which CO2 is absorbed by the ocean?	7qvjyd	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Did my child actually get this math problem wrong?	7qy7s5	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: The difference between square rooting and simplified square rooting?	7r79h8	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I get all the maths behind it but still can't wrap my head around how simplified rooting work?
I understand the need for order of operations (PEMDAS) so there is organization and a “recipe” for how to do any math problem. What makes PEMDAS the correct order? If the order was reversed or jumbled up the answers would be different, but still consistent.	7s2h45	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5:Why is the new time measurement “flick” so amazing and why did it take so long to discover?	7sieh8	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	What was the maths involved in making the “flick”? And why is it so precise? (Wow so many questions)
How do calculators work?	7tk0hk	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Topology of a hollow sphere? Can I deform to a disc?	7txo15	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I know very little topology. I have a hollow sphere with some thickness, like an inflatable ball. If I poke a needle into it, and take that little hole I made, then deform and flatten it into a disc, have I made a different object? Does this count as putting a hole in the object and if not how would I explain that to someone who's probably not going to believe me? If it is a hole, would that make the sphere have 1 less hole than a disc which has 0?
ELI5: Bayesian Search Theory	7u01ny	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I know what it is, someone explain the math.
ELI5: Lithium content (grams) of a Lithium Ion battery? 21.6v 16.2A 6 cell	7u3uf7	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5 Why does a Bachelor's in Math say it's one of Arts? Isn't math a science?	7u7z3w	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I was curious about this as my friend's degree is a BA in Mathematics. What's the reason? Are there other contradictory examples?
ELI5: Number system before zero was invented or concept of zero was given	9ta8co	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
What is a coalgebra?	9te2tr	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: What is a coalgebra?	9te3oj	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I'm currently doing a major in CS, and one of my courses is Coalgebra. I, however, do not know what a coalgebra is. I'm halfway into the course.
ELI5: What are time signatures in music?	9teahn	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
Eli5 the equation dx/dt= -kx	9tkoyh	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	What does this equation mean?
ELI5: How does the birthday paradox work?	9u96u4	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday_problem
ELI5: If I have ten tries to complete something that I have a probability of 47% of actually doing, what is the chance that I am actually able to do it at least five times?	9ujk76	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: What do people mean when they talk about different types of infinity?	9v55f9	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Why does lim (1+1/x)^x, x->inf. equal e?	9vb80t	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: If I watch an airliner fly from one horizon to the other, how far did they travel? Assuming normal airliner altitudes.	9y47j0	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[deleted]
ELI5: How and when did percentages become the important fractions that they are? Why not x/1000 or any other more precise denominator?	9z9uqb	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: Standard Deviations, Standard error of mean, Confidence intervals and P Value.	9zeukv	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I have a really big exam at university in a few weeks, it's a Research Methods in Nursing exam. I am having real trouble getting my head around these statistics terms. I have searched the sub and looked at some answers but I still can't get a solid grip of them. It's probably worth mentioning I am dyslexic. Any help anyone can offer in really simply explaining these terms would be simply fantastic. I would be so grateful.
ELI5: Why do we measure forest fires in acres?	9zvdem	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: why isn't dividing by 3 and multiplying by 0.3 not the same?	9zw2gh	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: Why are there two different answers when one tries to convert length from cm to feet?	9zyhjx	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Just tried to convert 174cm to feet and I got 5'7" and 5'9" as the answers. Why is there such a difference? Edit: Thanks everyone for explaining it to me.I feel stupid knowing how simple this is.
ELI5: The math behind MD5 and SHA-1 hashing	a06lle	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	I am doing research on these two hash functions and I am struggling to understand how they convert an input into a "message digest" or "hash value". I've heard of modulo arithmetic and prime number multiplication, but what are their roles in the process of hashing?
ELI5: What does Cramer’s V actually measure and tell us?	a0igip	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	null
ELI5: how to find eigenvectors	a0o1c1	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	[removed]
ELI5: What is the chance that the water we're drinking has already been drank before?	8137oi	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	Whether it be another human's digestive system, or a dinosaur's, is there any way of knowing the odds that the water I'm drinking has already been drank before? The planet is very old and life has been on it for a long time, and there is only a finite amount of water.
ELI5: What are the advantages/disadvantages of royalty vs. equity deals for start up companies on Shark Tank?	819oz1	false	explainlikeimfive	Mathematics	It always seems to be like the entrepreneurs on Shark Tank interpret the royalty deals as strictly worse, but I don't understand how to do the math to come to that conclusion. Example: One shark offers 100k for 5% equity, another offers 1$ royalty when selling the product at say 7$ until the 100k is recouped. Why is 1 deal strictly worse than the other, how did you do the math to figure it out?

ELI5: Why does 360° make a full circle? Why isn't it a round number like 100?

8jb7v7

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

I just proved math to be false

8k1o5k

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Why does the ratio of years between two people keep changing ?

8k8alf

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Hello everyone , My nephew has asked me about why the ratio between my and his age keep changing and what significant it has vs the difference between our ages ? for example i am 10 years old and he is 1 years , difference is 9 but the ratio is 10 , three years later i am 12 years old and he is 3 the ratio changed from 10 to 4 .

ELI5: Maths geniuses of Reddit, what’s cosh?

8kc16d

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: Why is the Mandelbrot-Set contained in a disk with a radius of 2 arround (0|0)?!

8ks35t

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I've been studying the Mandelbrot-Set for the last few months and I understand pretty much everything (or atleast I think so, lol) but I just dont understand why the hell the mandelbrot-set doesnt go beyond this disk. I know, that Zn will go to infinity if it is >2, but I would like to understand WHY. Im too stupid to understand the proof :D TL;DR Why does Zn go to infinity if it is >2? I hope it was understandable; THX.

What is a strictly convex deltahedra?

8kyckc

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: What are the values that solve Fermat's Last Theorem

8lg79z

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: how is this possible or where is the math wrong?

8lz7xk

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

(1/3=0.33333) (2/3=0.66666) (0.6666+0.3333=0.9999) (1/3+2/3=1)

ELI5: How do I integrate a mathematical expression using integration by parts?

8m87x4

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Why can't we find the volume of a sphere by integrating cone elements?

8m8l1m

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Knowledge of calculus required to answer. So our physics teacher gave us a problem about calculus. We had to derive the volume of a sphere. I used cone elements such that they had a height equal to the radius of the sphere and their circular faces touching the surface of the sphere. So, height=R and base area=dA I integrated the cone elements from lower limit 0 to upper limit being the surface area of the sphere which is 4 x pi x R^2. The answer was correct, but the physics teacher told me there was a slight drawback to me using the cone element. He said that because cones have base as circle, the base of the cone would not cover the complete surface area of the sphere as gaps would be left in between. He suggested I use square pyramid elements instead, as squares can completely cover any area. Now, my question is this: Wouldn't the circular faces of the cone cover the surface of the sphere if the base area tends to 0, which it was? TLDR Physics teacher says that square pyramid elements are better options to use as elements to find the area of a sphere with integration, with the base area tending towards zero, as compared to cones. Reason being that square bases will cover entire area of sphere while circular bases would not. Why?

ELI5: Is there any concept of "time-adjustment" in statistics, just like value of money?

8mxde4

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Money, because of inflation, varies in value from year to year, so we usually make adjustments to isolate the effects of inflation when comparing values across different years. Does this concept apply to other things, ranging from Youtube views to number of casualties to trade in goods? (I think these values are subject to "inflation" just like money, for example, it's easier to get the same amount of Youtube views today than in the past few years)

ELI5: why are certain mathematical concepts easier than others, such as the multiplication table for 5?

8mzkzw

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: what are the odds that an 18 year old has stomach cancer?

8n02yj

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: How do you decide between an Orthogonal and Oblique Rotation in Factor Analysis, when factor structure is complex?

8n0lhw

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[deleted]

ELI5: Which cipher is used only dots (.), ones (1), zeros (0) and spaces?

8n72ci

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: What is permutational MANOVA (or PERMANOVA)?

8nc0si

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

Eli5 Monty Hall problem/paradox

8nkxwy

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Why and when is Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling preferred over Monte Carlo sampling?

8vsuxu

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: How should I think about multiplying different units?

8w00ku

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

This is how I think about basic multiplication. When I have 3x5 it could mean that I have THREE SETS of FIVE APPLES and that is 15 (apples total). But when I have for example N x m and I get a Joule? Or Pressure times Volume (PV)? What does it mean multiplying pressure by volume? Is Newton (or pressure) here something like a set? But how? Can someone explain please?

ELI5 why do we use a base 10 numbering system? What are the advantages over any other base number?

8wdfwk

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Why do codes and IDs use numbers instead of letters, which would allow more information density and probably be easier to remember?

8wti4q

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

For example, instead of, say, social security numbers being in the form 123-45-6789 which has 10^9 possible combinations, you could use a 7 letter combo to get the same amount of possibilities. While it might not be easier for a computer to store, it would definitely be easier for humans to remember. In addition, since using letters has a better chance to spell out something vaguely pronounceable, or at least are easier to turn into mnemonic devices, it seems like using letters in place of numbers for codes would make them much easier for humans to manage. Why do we use numbers for zip codes, SSNs, etc?

ELI5, The snapping for r/thanosdidnothingwrong looked to ban random users 1by1. Was this truely a 50% probably to be banned if it re-randomized for ever snap?

8xkfiv

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: How exactly do leap days work?

8xr5u5

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Sure the calendar and the earth's actual orbit are drifting and earth's rotation is not exactly 24 hours (23:56 to be exact) so that remainder keeps on accumulating till it's big enough to skip and reset after four years? Now here's my first real problem. If that was the case, shouldn't time be drifting against daylight? For example to such an extent where midnight looks like twilight? My second problem is that the extra 4 minutes * 365 days *4 years = 4 days and 80 minutes, Yet we only add one day to the 365. Please help!

ELI5: What makes a permutation odd or even?

8ywhol

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: Maths logic problem

8yzc0m

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: If a piece of tape were π metres long, would it be infinitely long.

8z5zcd

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

What is the friendship paradox problem in network theory and how does the reasoning work?

900fi1

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5 What relevance does the Fibonacci Series have with nature. Why is it so important?

90gue7

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: the significance of convexity in optimization

920mqg

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Searching tells me a lot about what convex optimization is, but not why convexity is important or significant.

ELI5: What is the Euler-Mascheroni constant?

92jqfb

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5 What are octonions in Math and how are they relevant/important in Physics?

92li5n

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I just read a Wired article on this and it completely went over my head despite reading it again. I'm not even sure if I'm phrasing the question right. https://www.wired.com/story/the-peculiar-math-that-could-underlie-the-laws-of-nature/

ELI5: Why can the infinite coastline paradox not be solved?

92ph76

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Why couldn't you just go to a molecular level, or grains of sand?

What exactly is Calculus?

92w2fm

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

How does negative probability (for lack of better words) work? I.e. X is 10 times less likely to occur if you put Y into Z.

934raz

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: How does negative probability (for lack of better words) work? I.e. "X is 10 times less likely to occur if Y is applied."

934sb6

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I know that if it's "10 times more likely" it would be something like X times 10? But my limited knowledge of math says if you multiply a negative number to a positive it becomes negative so I can't quite wrap my head around how something is "10 times less likely" if it is applied on real object because they can't be negative? Also how do you express this in math form?

Eli5: music time signatures

936l5l

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

What exactly are they? How does it relate to the rhythm of the song and how do you identify a pieces time signature?

ELI5: base 12 numbering

93a0ym

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Integration and Integrating by parts

9daswm

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Got into beginning of calc 2 and we are learning some new ways to integrate, but out of all the new methods, I have yet to see the use of integrating by parts. I'm somewhat comfortable with both of them, but my problem is knowing when to use which one. For example, when given an equation like ∫xsin2x dx, why do I have to integrate by parts instead of doing ∫x dx * ∫sin2x dx ?  Also, my biggest concern is if there's like some tale tale signs that I should integrate by parts?

ELI5: how is it possible to exist something and have ending point in real life which's length is ended by .333 or .077 thus by infinite digits?

9e47h0

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: word problem

9eae53

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: The Yoneda Lemma

9f1gbp

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

And I do mean like I'm five-- not like "I'm six and have Stacy's mentat on speed dial" or "I'm eleven and just gobbled up all the Melange on Chad's coffee table (so STFU)". As Caleb Gallo said to Freckle: "Tell me all about it!"

ELI5: What is the difference between permutations and combinations.

9f3nnl

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I cannot for the life of me get the difference between permutations and combinations. My teachers have explained multiple times, claiming that permutations tends to refer to order and arrangement, whilst combination usually “choosing from a group of people or committee”. While I do get these, I do not understand why arranging a committee of five boys and three girls for example under no restriction requires the use of permutations. I mean their names aren’t even specified and if theres no restriction should’t that mean that theres no “order”? Ok at this point I just sound stupid and all but really is there no any other way to differentiate when to use both? I’ve been reading math articles on google and watching videos but when it boils down to doing the question I am still as confused as ever.

ELI5: Why average of subset averages returns a different result than average by the raw data?

9f5i4c

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: limit floor of x?

9ffmf1

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: In non-mathematical terms, what are people who study octonions trying to figure out?

9fhtkh

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Many of the explanations of octonions I've read seem to be entirely theoretical. I recognize that octonions are not visible and that what they are trying to prove/figure out is largely theoretical, but what is the point of figuring them out or using them? I suppose I don't so much need a definition of them, as I'm asking for information about their use. For example, "They're used to try to find out more about the connection between gravity and weight." Can anyone help me understand?

ELI5: Math Induction

9fmxyo

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

This is the only thing thats holding me back on maths, i can do a lot of geometries, but this single topic is the worst for me.

ELI5: What does that artistic spiral made of boxes of increasing size mean?

9g8eab

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Without visualizing any objects, how can one prove that 1+1=2 ?

9gnxrp

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: How do roots of unity work in complex numbers?

9gvbw5

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: What are the steps to finding out inverse functions of cubic functions in general (of course, ones whose y-values always have only 1 corresponding x-value)?

9gzv9j

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Like this one: https://www.symbolab.com/solver/function-inverse-calculator/inverse%20f%5Cleft(x%5Cright)%3Dx%5E%7B3%7D%2Bx

ELI5: Why does random walk in 3D not have a probability of returning to the origin when given infinite time?

9hmsb5

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I was told that random walk in 2D is guaranteed to return to the origin given infinite time (probability = 1). However, random walk in 3D doesn't not guarantee a return to the origin when given infinite time.  Why is this? If given infinite time, shouldn't the probability in 3D also be 1? I know that this has been explained before (https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7i3jl7/eli5_how_is_it_that_random_walks_in_2d_are/), but the 5-year old in me needs a more dumbed down explanation, as I have no background in math.

ELI5: What are Negative Indices and how do you work them out?

9hs04b

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: Dirichlet L-functions and their applications to number theory

9hvnym

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: r (341) = .84, p < .001. What do the 341 and the .84 represent?

9hy9ey

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

Apparently the odds of winning the lottery are 1 in 77 million in Australia (I'm happy for that to be corrected if it's wrong). If you bought a ticket every week, what are the odds you'll go your entire life without winning?

9i3o3c

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: How is infinity represented mathematically?

9ic4b2

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I know that infinity is merely a concept, however it must have some sort of presence within mathematics.. someone care to explain?

ELI5: What practical applications has research into patterns in prime numbers yielded?

9ic5at

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

Eli5: how can a percentage pass 100%

9jbeyo

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I’m watching the movie Paddington and the dad is a risk analysis and said “having a bear in the house increases the chances of a natural disaster by 4000%” And my favorite mascara (Better Than Sex) says it “increases your lash volume by 1944%” What does this mean? I always thought 100% was the maximum. I hope my question makes sense.

Why do we use (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) to determine the hypotenuse of a right triangle? Why not just (a + b = c)?

9jv1o2

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Fibonacci sequence

7newdk

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

[ELI5] What is the math behind noise functions used to build complex terrain?

7nl5bm

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: If 94% of my A-levels were at A*/B, how many a levels did i do?

7nx4ak

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Number Wheeling in Lotto Tickets

7o7bwf

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

With a 550M jackpot, I'm suddenly curious how this works

ELI5:Does a random number generator work on equal probability for all numbers it generates?

7o9fzj

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: What is happening in this gif?

7oez4v

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5 What is tensor calculus and how is it used?

7ooq7s

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: If 20% of 1000 have a certain trait, would the ratio be stay the same if it were 10,000 people? Or does the % gradually diminish?

7oot01

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[deleted]

How do computers calculate random numbers without random inputs?

7ostmi

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: How do hashing functions avoid collisions?

7ozvdh

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

If you have a 256 bit hash with 2^256 possibilities and run every file ever created, would there be collisions?

Eli5: Are numbers and mathematics written and performed the same way in all languages and cultures?

7q8m65

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Is there a general representation for the rate at which CO2 is absorbed by the ocean?

7qvjyd

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Did my child actually get this math problem wrong?

7qy7s5

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: The difference between square rooting and simplified square rooting?

7r79h8

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I get all the maths behind it but still can't wrap my head around how simplified rooting work?

I understand the need for order of operations (PEMDAS) so there is organization and a “recipe” for how to do any math problem. What makes PEMDAS the correct order? If the order was reversed or jumbled up the answers would be different, but still consistent.

7s2h45

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5:Why is the new time measurement “flick” so amazing and why did it take so long to discover?

7sieh8

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

What was the maths involved in making the “flick”? And why is it so precise? (Wow so many questions)

How do calculators work?

7tk0hk

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Topology of a hollow sphere? Can I deform to a disc?

7txo15

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I know very little topology. I have a hollow sphere with some thickness, like an inflatable ball. If I poke a needle into it, and take that little hole I made, then deform and flatten it into a disc, have I made a different object? Does this count as putting a hole in the object and if not how would I explain that to someone who's probably not going to believe me? If it is a hole, would that make the sphere have 1 less hole than a disc which has 0?

ELI5: Bayesian Search Theory

7u01ny

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I know what it is, someone explain the math.

ELI5: Lithium content (grams) of a Lithium Ion battery? 21.6v 16.2A 6 cell

7u3uf7

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5 Why does a Bachelor's in Math say it's one of Arts? Isn't math a science?

7u7z3w

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I was curious about this as my friend's degree is a BA in Mathematics. What's the reason? Are there other contradictory examples?

ELI5: Number system before zero was invented or concept of zero was given

9ta8co

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

What is a coalgebra?

9te2tr

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: What is a coalgebra?

9te3oj

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I'm currently doing a major in CS, and one of my courses is Coalgebra. I, however, do not know what a coalgebra is. I'm halfway into the course.

ELI5: What are time signatures in music?

9teahn

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

Eli5 the equation dx/dt= -kx

9tkoyh

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

What does this equation mean?

ELI5: How does the birthday paradox work?

9u96u4

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday_problem

ELI5: If I have ten tries to complete something that I have a probability of 47% of actually doing, what is the chance that I am actually able to do it at least five times?

9ujk76

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: What do people mean when they talk about different types of infinity?

9v55f9

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Why does lim (1+1/x)^x, x->inf. equal e?

9vb80t

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: If I watch an airliner fly from one horizon to the other, how far did they travel? Assuming normal airliner altitudes.

9y47j0

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[deleted]

ELI5: How and when did percentages become the important fractions that they are? Why not x/1000 or any other more precise denominator?

9z9uqb

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: Standard Deviations, Standard error of mean, Confidence intervals and P Value.

9zeukv

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I have a really big exam at university in a few weeks, it's a Research Methods in Nursing exam. I am having real trouble getting my head around these statistics terms. I have searched the sub and looked at some answers but I still can't get a solid grip of them. It's probably worth mentioning I am dyslexic. Any help anyone can offer in really simply explaining these terms would be simply fantastic. I would be so grateful.

ELI5: Why do we measure forest fires in acres?

9zvdem

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: why isn't dividing by 3 and multiplying by 0.3 not the same?

9zw2gh

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: Why are there two different answers when one tries to convert length from cm to feet?

9zyhjx

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Just tried to convert 174cm to feet and I got 5'7" and 5'9" as the answers. Why is there such a difference? Edit: Thanks everyone for explaining it to me.I feel stupid knowing how simple this is.

ELI5: The math behind MD5 and SHA-1 hashing

a06lle

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

I am doing research on these two hash functions and I am struggling to understand how they convert an input into a "message digest" or "hash value". I've heard of modulo arithmetic and prime number multiplication, but what are their roles in the process of hashing?

ELI5: What does Cramer’s V actually measure and tell us?

a0igip

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

null

ELI5: how to find eigenvectors

a0o1c1

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

[removed]

ELI5: What is the chance that the water we're drinking has already been drank before?

8137oi

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

Whether it be another human's digestive system, or a dinosaur's, is there any way of knowing the odds that the water I'm drinking has already been drank before? The planet is very old and life has been on it for a long time, and there is only a finite amount of water.

ELI5: What are the advantages/disadvantages of royalty vs. equity deals for start up companies on Shark Tank?

819oz1

false

explainlikeimfive

Mathematics

It always seems to be like the entrepreneurs on Shark Tank interpret the royalty deals as strictly worse, but I don't understand how to do the math to come to that conclusion. Example: One shark offers 100k for 5% equity, another offers 1$ royalty when selling the product at say 7$ until the 100k is recouped. Why is 1 deal strictly worse than the other, how did you do the math to figure it out?