Why is this number everywhere?
Veritasium・20 minutes read
The number 37 is a popular choice among people when selecting random numbers, even surpassing 7. It holds significance in various contexts like magic tricks and hacker slang, with consistent preferences for 37 and primes like 3 and 7 indicating a pattern in human decision-making.
Insights
- The number 37 is a commonly preferred choice when people are asked to select a random number, surpassing even the popular choice of 7, indicating a consistent pattern in human decision-making.
- The significance of 37 extends beyond mere randomness, with its unique mathematical properties as a prime number and its practical application in decision-making scenarios, such as the optimal strategy of exploring and rejecting 37% of options before making a final selection, as seen in the secretary problem or marriage problem.
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Recent questions
Why do people often choose the number 37?
People frequently choose the number 37 due to its perceived randomness and rarity in daily life. Despite being asked to select random numbers, individuals tend to gravitate towards 37 and other prime numbers like 3 and 7. This preference for 37 is consistent across large-scale surveys and decision-making scenarios, indicating a pattern in human decision-making. The unique properties of 37 as a prime number and its significance in various contexts contribute to its popularity as a go-to option for many individuals.
What is the significance of the number 37 in decision-making strategies?
The number 37 plays a crucial role in decision-making strategies, particularly in scenarios where immediate and final choices must be made. The optimal strategy involves exploring and rejecting 37% of options before selecting the first one better than all previously seen. This method, known as the secretary problem or marriage problem, applies to various situations such as hiring employees or choosing a life partner. By spending 37% of the time exploring options before making a decision, individuals can maximize their chances of success and make informed choices.
How does the number 37 relate to human intuition and decision-making processes?
The number 37 is deeply ingrained in human intuition and decision-making processes, as evidenced by its consistent preference in various contexts. Despite being perceived as random, 37 and other prime numbers like 3 and 7 are frequently chosen by individuals when asked to select random numbers. This natural inclination towards 37 suggests that it holds a special significance in human minds when it comes to making choices. The fascination with the number 37 and its prevalence in everyday occurrences further highlight its importance in human intuition and decision-making.
What is the mathematical significance of the number 37?
The number 37 holds mathematical significance as the median second prime factor of all numbers, emphasizing its unique properties in the realm of mathematics. As a prime number, 37 is classified in various mathematical contexts, underscoring its importance and distinct characteristics. The practical implications of 37 in decision-making scenarios further highlight its mathematical relevance and the challenges associated with selecting the best option. Overall, the number 37's mathematical significance extends beyond its role as a go-to random number, showcasing its importance in different mathematical concepts and applications.
How can individuals enhance their intuition and problem-solving skills related to the number 37?
Individuals looking to enhance their intuition and problem-solving skills can utilize platforms like Brilliant, which offer interactive lessons in various subjects. By engaging with educational resources and practicing problem-solving techniques, individuals can improve their decision-making abilities and intuition. The number 37's significance in human minds and decision-making processes can be further explored through educational platforms, allowing individuals to understand the patterns and preferences associated with this particular number. Through continuous learning and application of problem-solving strategies, individuals can strengthen their intuition and make informed choices in various aspects of life.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
"37: The Surprising Choice in Random Selection"
- People struggle to select random numbers, often choosing 7 and blue as their go-to options.
- The number 37 emerges as a popular choice when asked to pick a random number between 1 and 100.
- A large-scale investigation involving hundreds of people confirms 37 as a common selection, even surpassing 7.
- The number 37 holds significance in various contexts, including magic tricks and hacker slang.
- A survey with 200,000 responses reveals consistent preferences for certain numbers, with 37 and 73 standing out.
- Despite being perceived as random, 37 and 73 are consistently chosen, indicating a pattern in human decision-making.
- The preference for 37 and primes like 3 and 7 is attributed to their perceived randomness and rarity in daily life.
- The mathematical significance of 37 as the median second prime factor of all numbers is explored, highlighting its unique properties.
- 37's identity as a prime number is emphasized, with various mathematical classifications underscoring its significance.
- The practical importance of 37 is illustrated in decision-making scenarios where immediate and final choices must be made, emphasizing the challenges of selecting the best option.
12:42
"37: The Key to Optimal Decision-Making"
- The optimal strategy for decision-making involves exploring and rejecting 37% of options before selecting the first one better than all previously seen.
- This method, known as the secretary problem or marriage problem, applies to hiring employees or choosing a life partner.
- To maximize success, spend 37% of the time exploring options before making a decision.
- The number 37 holds significance in various aspects of life, with many instances of it appearing in everyday occurrences.
- The fascination with the number 37 has led to its collection and documentation by individuals over the years.
- The number 37 is widely recognized as a go-to random number and an ideal choice for decision-making.
- The prevalence of 37 in human minds suggests a natural inclination towards it for making choices.
- The number 37 is deeply ingrained in human intuition and decision-making processes.
- To enhance intuition and problem-solving skills, individuals can utilize platforms like Brilliant, offering interactive lessons in various subjects.
