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arXiv:2503.24175math.NT

What is the Funniest Number? An investigation of numerical humor

E. G. Pottebaum

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Abstract

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.

arXiv comments
11 pages, 5 figures. v2 contains minor fixes to spelling, links, and figure placement
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
math.NTNumber Theory math.HOHistory and Overview

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