December 16, 2019, 02:34 PM
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has been known for revealing his geeky side every now and then.
Like how he wrote a computer program to solve Sudoku in 2015:
And in August this year, he also commented on a viral math formula:Shared article about quadratic equation
Recently, he was seen nerding out on Facebook. This time with Loh Po-Shen, an Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University.
On Friday (Dec. 13), PM Lee shared an article about a new method of solving quadratic equations, which many may recall learning in secondary school.Basically, this equation: -b±√(b²-4ac))/(2a).
Here's a video to trigger your memory, if the formula doesn't ring any bells:
The article by Popular Mechanics involved an explainer of the new technique to solve a quadratic equation.
The technique, which was developed by Loh, involves finding roots using fewer steps. The method is also supposedly more intuitive.
In response, Loh commented on PM Lee's post, thanking him for the shoutout.
Image via Lee Hsien Loong/FB
Loh shared that his parents had grown up in Singapore, which influenced his educational values.
Fair to say that both of them had a nice nerd-out session in the comments section.
Image via Lee Hsien Loong/FB
PM Lee's love for mathematics
Besides being the prime minister of Singapore, PM Lee also used to be one of the rising stars of the mathematics world back in his university days, as Singapore's first senior wrangler from Cambridge University.
His academic roots never left him, as he still enjoys a good dose of math from time to time, including coding, a subject that still eludes many.
Back when he was still in school, this was what his professor at Cambridge, Béla Bollobás, had to say about him:
“He graduated at the top of his class, and he really won by a street. The one who came second has now become a world-class mathematician, but it was clear to everyone at the time who was the better one.”
Nice.
Top image via Lee Hsien Loong/FB, Terence Tan/MCI
Content that keeps Mothership.sg going
??
Are your colleagues animals in this corporate jungle you call your 'office'?
✈️?️
Want go Perth anot?
✋?
Have you ever felt like a boomer in your 20s?
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.