Welcome MAA Readers
by Brian Hayes
Published 1 May 2007
I am pleased and proud to note that the previous posting in this space (A mathematical fable previsited) is doing double duty as a column for MAA Online, the Web presence of the Mathematical Association of America.
Just so I can’t be accused of favoritism, I’ll also mention the American Mathematical Society, where Tony Phillips’s Math in the Media column discusses another item of mine.
Responses from readers:
Please note: The bit-player website is no longer equipped to accept and publish comments from readers, but the author is still eager to hear from you. Send comments, criticism, compliments, or corrections to brian@bit-player.org.
Publication history
First publication: 1 May 2007
Converted to Eleventy framework: 22 April 2025
“Just so I can’t be accused of favoritism…”
SIAM, the Cinderella of math societies, picks through the ashes while her stepsisters attend the ball….
Oh, you’re breaking my heart. But, try as I might, I just can’t see myself as Prince Charming.
Prince Brian,
You must have a very sophisticated readership (except for Barry, of course) to be able to guess the next term in a sequence derived by subtracting adjacent perfect squares.
Mike,
The system is actually designed to gauge the sophistication of the aspiring commenter, and it presents a challenge appropriate to his or her abilities. You, of course, were recognized as top-caliber and given one of the toughest challenges available. Congratulations!
The spam filter gauged my level well too. It gave me 1,3,5,7,9,11,…? I hope I gave the right answer!