A Very Large Number Indeed,
Abstract
The following problem is discussed: Describe, on a 3x5 card, as large an integer K as you can. The rules are necessarily vague: Rule 1: 'Normal' size writing. Rule 2: K must be well defined and there must be a well defined way of determining K. It is not necessary to prove that the definition of K has these properties on the card. This rule excludes 'K = 1 if Femats Last Theorem is True, otherwise K = minimal n > 2 such that (x to the nth power) + (y to the nth power) = (z to the nth power).' Rule 3: Logically paradoxical definitions are not allowed. This excludes 'K = 1 + the largest integer describable on a 3x5 card.' Rule 4: All reasonably standard mathematical conventions are allowable. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0721268
Entities
People
- Joel Spencer
Organizations
- RAND Corporation