What so special about the number 42

Thread starter MathematicalPhysicist
Start date Apr 24, 2004

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Apr 24, 2004

MathematicalPhysicist

Gold Member

what so special about the number 42 (besides the fact that it's included in a band's name, i.e, level 42)?

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Apr 24, 2004

jimmy p

Gold Member

its the answer to 6x7! is that not special enough for you?

Apr 24, 2004

Ivan Seeking

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

Gold Member

See "The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy" by Douglas Addams.

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4220/

http://scifi.about.com/b/a/032539.htm

Last edited by a moderator: May 1, 2017

1. What is the significance of the number 42 in science?

The number 42 has been popularized in science and popular culture as the supposed answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything in Douglas Adams' novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". However, there is no known scientific significance of the number 42.

2. Is there any mathematical significance to the number 42?

In mathematics, the number 42 is a highly composite number, meaning it has many divisors. It is also a pronic number, which is the product of two consecutive integers. However, these mathematical properties do not hold any special significance or meaning.

3. Why do some people believe that 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life?

In Douglas Adams' novel, the number 42 was chosen as a humorous and nonsensical answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. However, some people have taken this as a serious concept and believe that there is a hidden meaning behind the number.

4. Are there any scientific studies or theories related to the number 42?

There are no known scientific studies or theories specifically related to the number 42. However, the concept of the number being the answer to the ultimate question of life has sparked discussions and theories about the meaning of existence and the universe.

5. Is there a deeper meaning to the number 42 that we have yet to discover?

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the number 42 holds any deeper meaning or significance beyond its mathematical properties. It is ultimately a fictional creation that has gained popularity and curiosity among some individuals.