Thursday, April 17, 2008

A (more) useful application of Mathematics.

The bridge between mathematics and humanities is more like two thin ropes with planks of wood suspended over a fiery pit of molten lava than the George Washington Bridge.  The Land of the Humanities is brimming full with wandering, philosophical explorers in whose language the word "answer" is vulgar. On the other hand, the Land of Mathematics houses a meticulously arranged society in which each citizen has an indefatigable routine, is designated a specific area to live in, and has a specific and limited job; in the language of the Mathematicans, the word "ambiguous" is vulgar (and its utterance is punishable by law.)  
So it is apparent that the two worlds are quite separate.
But I've found a way to connect them.
While studying the graphs of some basic, algebraic functions, I realized that they accurately illustrate different types of people.
Linear Functions: 



 

First are the linearists.  The graph of a linear function is simply a line; thus, the types of people it represents tend to be extremely organized (mentally and physically), have a wondrous amount of common sense, and are very level-headed.  However, they're also boring, uncreative, and don't take risks.  They strive for strict order; any disturbance in the linear qualities of their life are unwanted.
Quadratic Functions:




Next are the Quadraticists.  Quadratic functions are cup-shaped and either open up or open down, forming beautiful parabolas.  These
 people tend to be very graceful; when they set their mind on doing something they can stick to their goals.  However, they also understand when enough is enough and can return to the starting point as gracefully as they travelled from it. Quadraticists are less stable than Linearists.  They go through periods of highs and lows, but always rebound.  Their phases are long and intense, but always end.
Polynomial Functions:




Polynominacs are spontaneous and creative.  They have intense, short obsessions.  They have many different moods and have sharply curvy but still graceful personalities.
Exponential Functions:
Exponential Growtheners:  These people are usually very hardworking and lucky.  They are the people start out with a good idea and turn it into a worldwide phenomenon.  
Exponential Decayeners:  These people manage to waste away being in a favorable position.
Rational Functions:
These people will give all that they have for their (usually not so innovative) ideas.  Their sheer willingness to carry out what their dreams makes them bendy, not brittle.  They will go to extremes to see that their ideas become a success.  However, as close as they get, there will always be an asymptote right on the axis that would provide them with success.  As soon as they give up with one thing, they move right on to the next one.
Sin functions:

Siners are the most unstable type of people.  They tend to be extremely disorganized, go from high to low to high to low to high to low, and never manage to carry out anything they attempt to do.


I would have to say that I am a polynominac.  I have intense obsessions that tend not to be permanent.

2 comments:

Anya said...

It is very amusing how you categorize people into different groups. I love it! As you, I am probably in the Polynomial Functions group; however, I see a little of my self in each group. Were would you place me?

Jules said...

WOW...

I think I might be a quadratic...not sure...