Numbers

[Nick the Ratman]

I started a similar thread a while back that didn't seem to go anywhere. I asked my math teacher, and she couldn't discover any number that relates to a real-life situation, that doesn't need a label.


I'll do my best to clearly demonstrate what exactly it is that I mean.


Say your boss wants to know how much you weigh, you would reply, _____ Lbs.

Maybe your boss also wants to know what temperature it is outside, _____ Degrees. (I don't have the symbol on my computer.)

So, my challenge for you to beat/debate whether this is true or not is,



Are there any set of numbers that do not need some sort of label when relating to a real-life situation?

[Cerity Insighed]

Oh please. My parents work have friends that work in nuclear engineering. Sure, there are plenty of labels attached to different numbers, but many of the equations they do are purely based around the math itself and trying to get to a certain number/ratio. But as for a simpler life situation, I can't think of a one.

[PsychoBucket]

You filling out an application. It asks you for your GPA. You write 3.8.

Is that what you are talking about?

[Null Parameter]

Well, most math problems used in classes are examples showing how to use the formulas, proofs, etc... Therefore, they are generally not given a unit of measurement as they never had one to begin with nor are you necessarily using them to do such. (Like a parabola, it can be whatever unit you want it to be, but it doesn't have one by default or like summations; they're just totals)

Classes like physics, chemistry, etc that are often heavy in math use units since you are using numbers that relate to the real world. Like using the acceleration caused by gravity (9.8 m/s2). It has a unit since it's a measurement (which holds true generally except for what Null is pointing out).

Yes, there are unitless measurements, like ratios. And there are many more found through math/science, for example Coefficient of Friction, and even Decibels are unitless/dimensionles.

Here is a huge list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimensionless_quantity).

That reminds of magnification and the refraction index. Neither have a unit.

[Nick the Ratman]

Null, I understand where your coming from.

But technically all of those should be based around some form of measurement. You can't just have random numbers. They must be based around some form of unit.


PsychoBucket, a very fine example, but, GPA relates to the number, and it is the unit/label, even though it is before the number.

[Null Parameter]

But technically all of those should be based around some form of measurement. You can't just have random numbers. They must be based around some form of unit.
No, they are all unitless, which, by definition, means they are not related to some form of unit. They can be just any number. If that's not what you are looking for, then you need to explain better, because right now that's exactly what you're looking at.

Otherwise the statement, "I can count to 10," contains a number that would be used in real life, but has no associated unit.

[Nick the Ratman]

Otherwise the statement, "I can count to 10," contains a number that would be used in real life, but has no associated unit.


That is what I'm looking for.

[DIRT JOCKEY]

I have a reputation for doing 1-3/4 of a half assed job

[Cerity Insighed]

I have a reputation for doing 1-3/4 of a half assed job

Not a good example. Just because it doesn't have a specific label, like lbs for pounds, doesn't mean it isn't labelled. Right now your label is a certain ratio of a half assed job. Which could even be given the label 1-3/4Haj.

[PsychoBucket]

Not a good example. Just because it doesn't have a specific label, like lbs for pounds, doesn't mean it isn't labelled. Right now your label is a certain ratio of a half assed job. Which could even be given the label 1-3/4Haj.

Your question is like asking someone to spell a word (English) without using any letters/symbols. It is not possible because numbers are used to describe the amount of something and you are asking, so anything with numbers is going to be labeled. Even when you are counting to 10 it has a label. The label is "the number counted to".

[Skittlemeister]

How about this is the number six? It is the number six, and it is six.

[PsychoBucket]

Nope 6 is describing the number.

[Jpec07]

Are there any set of numbers that do not need some sort of label when relating to a real-life situation?

Radians.

[Boston]

Okay, this is confusing but I think I know what you mean.

I could not say "I have 6 apples" correct? Because I would be describing the number of apples I have....right?? Ahhh too much thinking involved lol

[Time Glitch]

Well it's not a SERIOUS answer, but if you say just "42" to someone, they might get the reference without you having to quantify or explain it =P

Other than that, numbers are a unique part of our society that is used to purely quantify something. Key word: "something". In the real world, numbers must be attached to objects or quantities of some kind to be meaningful.

[PsychoBucket]

Well it's not a SERIOUS answer, but if you say just "42" to someone, they might get the reference without you having to quantify or explain it =P


Congratulations Sir! You have just won the game!