Mathematics
Infinity starts closer than you think
Guide: the Nautilus · 2 wonders
Wonders of Mathematics
Mathematics
How many people does it take for two to share a birthday?
Your intuition says hundreds. Reality: with just 23 people in a room there's already more than a 50% chance that two share a birthday. With 70, it's practically certain (99.9%). The trick: you're not counting matches with you, but every possible pair among everyone.
Read the wonder → MathematicsCan you fold a sheet of paper 42 times and reach the Moon?
Yes, in theory. Every fold doubles the thickness: 0.1 mm × 2^42 ≈ 440,000 km — farther than the 384,400 km to the Moon. It's exponential growth, and your brain is terrible at picturing it.
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