FUNDAMENTALS
For many, mathematics is an esoteric world of numbers and formulae. For others, as Roger Bacon once said, “Mathematics is the door and key to the sciences.” This week’s quiz will give a peak into the interesting world of numbers. Write in with your suggestions, questions (with answers) to senjam@gmail.com
THE WORLD OF NUMBERS
1. 1729 is popularly known as the Hardy-Ramanujam number. Why? 2. The Cambridge university is known for its legendary mathematics department. Isaac Newton, James Maxwell, Lord Kelvin all studied maths there. What term is given to a student who has completed the mathematical Tripos with a first class? 3. One of the popular knots for neckties is the Kelvin knot named after the mathematical physicist Lord Kelvin. He did did not use the knot itself. Why is it named after him? 4. There is no Nobel Prize in mathematics, but two prizes, one established by a Norwegian government and the other by the International Mathematical Union, is regarded as its equivalent. Name both. 5. Hyperbolic Paraboloid is a term used by physicists and mathematicians. This is the name given to the distinctive shape which makes it apt for specialised equipments like astronomical telescopes. Its unique shape is familiar to many consumers as well. How? 6. The most famous lecturer of mathematics at Christ Church College in Oxford is known for his contributions to symbolic logic, linear algebra and probability. He is also remembered for something else. What? 7. In 2000, the Clay Mathematics Institute proposed seven mathematical problems with a prize of one million dollar for every problem solved. Only one of the seven problems — the Poincare Conjecture — has been solved. What name has been collectively given to the seven problems? 8. The first programme where the geographical contours of India was mapped scientifically and also the height of Mt Everest, K2 and Kanchenjunga established accurately was a seven decades long exercise. It started in 1802 and was completed in 1871. What was the name given to this exercise?
ANYTHING GOES
1. The Whanganui River in the North Island of New Zealand is the country’s third-longest river. What is special about this river in a global context? (S. Miracle, Secunderabad) 2. Who or what is a pluviophile? (Cdr G.R. Balakrishnan (Retd), Chennai) 3. Whether Delhi boy Mohith Ahlawat ever makes it big in cricket is for the world to see. But what record does he hold albeit in an unofficial club match? (P.S. Nivritee Sreelekha, Secunderabad) 4. It is a century since the scooter was invented. Which company had claimed to have first invented it in 1915 and which company patented the scooter in the same year and released a market model in the year 1917? What is the name of the market model of this scooter released in 1917? (U.N. Murthy, Secunderabad) 5. The batting side needs one run to win. The fielding side needs one wicket to win. The fielding side bowls a wide and the batsman is stumped. Who wins, or is it a draw or a tie? (BK Harinath, Mysuru) 6. This boat is known as the ‘Big Beast’ of single handler sailing. This is the toughest dinghy to handle and demands extreme strength and at least 10 knot winds to get it going. Name the boat that is also a class in Olympics yachting? (Philip Joshua, Secunderabad) 7. Luke Ronchi, the current wicket keeper batsman of the New Zealand team, has a unique distinction relating to his playing career. What? (Dee Surendranath, Hyderabad) 8. The first ever Test match in cricket in 1877 and the centenary Test in 1977 had a striking coincidence. What? (Jonathan Francis, Secunderabad)