Reinventing the magic log wheel: How was this missed for 400 years?
Mathologer・2 minutes read
A mathematical wheel called a circular slide rule was invented 400 years ago, akin to a doctor's stethoscope, with 40 million units produced in the 20th century. The tool aids in multiplication and division by aligning numbers with a shifting decimal point, showcasing its functionality through the doubling alignment of numbers.
Insights
- The circular slide rule, invented in 1622, transformed mathematical calculations by utilizing a simple yet effective mechanism involving a wheel and rubber band, allowing for easy multiplication and division with decimal fractions.
- Despite the advent of electronic devices, the slide rule remained a crucial tool, used in Apollo missions and still produced for emergency situations, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this ingenious gadget in the realm of analog computing.
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Recent questions
What is the mathematical wheel on Reddit?
A simple gadget for understanding mathematical concepts.
How does the circular slide rule aid in multiplication?
By aligning numbers on the wheel with a constant ratio.
How many units of the gadget were produced in the 20th century?
40 million units.
What is the purpose of the rubber band on the mathematical wheel?
To wrap around the wheel without slipping.
What is the significance of the circular slide rule in history?
It was a prevalent analog computer until electronic devices emerged.
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Summary
00:00
Ingenious 400-Year-Old Math Gadget Resurfaces
- A mathematical wheel surfaced on Reddit, revealing a simple way to understand an ingenious gadget invented 400 years ago.
- The gadget, akin to a doctor's stethoscope, saw 40 million units produced in the 20th century.
- The setup involves a wheel and a rubber band labeled from 0 to 10, with the zero end fixed to a wall and the 10 end to the wheel.
- Spinning the wheel clockwise causes the rubber band to wrap around it without slipping, spreading numbers along the wheel.
- Decimal fractions are highlighted, showing that numbers with varying decimal points end up in the same spot after rotations.
- The ratio of outer numbers to inner numbers on the wheel remains constant, aiding in multiplication.
- Multiplication and division are easily performed by aligning numbers on the wheel, with the decimal point shift considered.
- The circular slide rule, invented in 1622, was a prevalent analog computer until electronic devices emerged.
- Slide rules were used in Apollo missions and are still produced for emergency use, with modern apps available for enthusiasts.
- The magic of the slide rule lies in the doubling alignment of numbers due to the rubber band setup, showcasing a simple proof of its functionality.
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