Beefy Boxes and Bandwidth Generously Provided by pair Networks
Perl: the Markov chain saw
 
PerlMonks  

Re: When I count, I think of numbers as...

by petemar1 (Pilgrim)
on Jun 01, 2005 at 10:01 UTC ( [id://462379]=note: print w/replies, xml ) Need Help??


in reply to When I count, I think of numbers as...

There should be an option for "other" and there should be an option for "it depends."

Once, while learning how many edges exist in a complete graph Kn, and we worked with the example K4, when I closed my eyes I visualized a dim blue representation of the graph on a black field. Each edge adjacent on a partcular vertex (3 at a time in this case) illuminated a bright, neon blue in an alternating clockwise fashion, all in a span of less than half of a second. In counting the edges I saw the handshaking lemma in action with instances of some edges being lit 2 times in a row.

I hastily muttered: "En-times-en-minus-one-over-two."

I don't remember exactly what my professor was asking me prior to that moment. I did some pondering on the questions I was asked, but it all came together at that one brief instant.

Mostly, I think of scalars.

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^2: When I count, I think of numbers as...
by merlyn (Sage) on Jun 01, 2005 at 12:42 UTC
    There are times that I envy those of you with these visual powers.

    On the other hand, I am never burdened asking myself (or others) "what does a scalar look like in memory?". I never cared. I deal with scalars as abstract entities, to which a series of operations can be performed. Without needing to "picture" everything (or even anything), I have learned different rules for manipulation that seem to solve some problems faster than others.

    Also, I'm crazy good at puns, since I hear similar words, rather than see similar things.

    -- Randal L. Schwartz, Perl hacker
    Be sure to read my standard disclaimer if this is a reply.

      I've never done well with images either. I can sort of remember faces, but visualization has never come easy for me. I almost never see images when I think unless I actively try to build them in my head. I too am terrible at reconstructing torn down images. But I do love to play with language.

      Also, I tend to work backwards through almost everything. I take wide logical leaps and try to determine the mechanics it would take to legitimately arrive at those conclusions. Anyone else think that way?

      /renz.
      "Call on God, but row away from the rocks."
      --Hunter S. Thompson.

      merlyn,
      Sorry, a pre-emptive (--) for when you start breaking out the puns. Pre-emptive strikes are the American way.


      Spem Successus Alit

      Not me. I have to have the visual. For instance, I tend think of variables as gold bars. Sure, you can accomplish at lot with them, but they're unwieldly and lugging around a bunch of gold bars slows everything down. Wouldn't you really rather carry a nice scrap of paper in your pocket with a denomination written on it?? ;)

      --
      naChoZ

      Where in the nursery rhyme does it say Humpty Dumpty is an egg?

Log In?
Username:
Password:

What's my password?
Create A New User
Domain Nodelet?
Node Status?
node history
Node Type: note [id://462379]
help
Chatterbox?
and the web crawler heard nothing...

How do I use this?Last hourOther CB clients
Other Users?
Others admiring the Monastery: (5)
As of 2024-03-28 19:34 GMT
Sections?
Information?
Find Nodes?
Leftovers?
    Voting Booth?

    No recent polls found