2025/03/31 by E. G. Pottebaum, Pottebaum, E. G. · 3 voices
Mathematics · #FOS: Mathematics #History and Overview (math.HO) #Number Theory (math.NT) #math.HO #math.NT
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2503.24175
arxiv published 2025/03/31 · arxiv updated 2025/04/02
In a preliminary study of numerical humor, we propose the Perceived Specificity Hypothesis (PSH). The PSH states that, for nonnegative integers < 100, the funniness of a number increases with its apparent precision. A survey of 68 individuals supports the veracity of this hypothesis and indicates that oddly specific numbers tend to be funniest. Our results motivate future study in this novel subfield.