MAGIC NUMBER

Digit:

A digit is a basic and single symbol of counting from which all numbers are made.

Uses of Digit:

• To make numbers
• For counting
• For measurement
• For identification
• For money and calculation

Black Hole:

A point where nothing can escape is called a black hole. It pulls everything towards itself.

Black Hole Number:

A number that eventually pulls every other number toward itself, just like a real black hole.

Introduction:

Four is considered a black hole number, because if you take any word and count its letters, you will eventually reach four. That's why we call four the black hole number. Once you reach four, you stay at four forever.

History & Discovery:

This puzzle is very old among English word puzzle makers. It was made most famous by American mathematician Martin Gardner in 1960 in his famous column 'Mathematical Games'.

Example 1:

DISCRIMINATION

DISCRIMINATION = 13 letters -> THIRTEEN = 8 letters -> EIGHT = 5 letters -> FIVE = 4 letters -> FOUR = 4 letters (BLACK HOLE LOOP!)

Example 2:

Longest Word

PNEUMONOULTRAMICROSCOPICSILICOVOLCANOCONIOSIS = 45 letters -> FORTYFIVE = 9 letters -> NINE = 4 letters -> FOUR = 4 letters

Example 3:

ENGLISH

ENGLISH = 7 letters -> SEVEN = 5 letters -> FIVE = 4 letters -> FOUR = 4 letters

Why 4 is the Black Hole Number?

Because 'FOUR' has 4 letters. Once you reach 4, you stay at 4 forever! This is the fixed point - the Black Hole. No matter what word you start with, counting its letters will always eventually reach 4 and loop. No escape!

Conclusion:

This is not a scientific black hole, but a fun mathematical curiosity.

All paths lead to 4 -> The Black Hole Number.

Written by Nafeesa Waheed