Why is 12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111, and 123456789 x 9 + 10 = 1111111111? Also, why is 987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888, and 9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888? Why is there such order in numbers and in the universe?
Lazing around the house or resort during these holidays? It’s a good time to ponder the beauty of mathematics, and of God our Creator, the sum of all wonders, as shared in this PowerPoint presentation. Credits to Wonderful World:
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
Then this:
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 + 10 = 1111111111
And this:
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321
Brilliant, isn’t it? So awed was Einstein about the nature of numbers and of the universe that he gushed: “God reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists.” Intelligent Design was for the physicist basic proof that there is a God.
Einstein rejected, however, the concept of a God “who punishes and rewards his creatures.” That’s why he ran afoul of major religionists. Then again, all religions teach love as the purpose of man. Pure love expects nothing in return. In which case, Einstein was right to lament that, “If people are good only because they fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.”
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I hope this appeal of Malolos residents to city hall isn’t too late. It’s all about commonsense in handling the double-size bust of Francisco Balagtas, Prince of Tagalog Poetry, that stands at the heart of the city. National artist Guillermo Tolentino, a son of Malolos, had sculpted it out of Italian marble. Recently, however, a city official whitewashed the artwork for whatever reason, thus covering up the marble’s natural sheen and grain. Perhaps the official thinks all sculptures should look like made of plaster of Paris. The National Commission on Culture and the Arts had better teach him otherwise.
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Our favorite impersonator Willie Nep is doing a post-Christmas fun show tomorrow, Dec. 30, at Metro Bar, West Avenue, Quezon City. “Music & Memories” of ’60s and ’70s tunes will guest Boots Anson Roa and the Electromaniacs. Tickets for sale at the gate. Program starts at 9 p.m.
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E-mail: jariusbondoc@workmail.com