Numbers Have Stories
Three hundred sixty degrees in a circle likely traces back to ancient Babylonian mathematics. Why did they choose this number?
its many divisors also made it particularly convenient for dividing circles into halves, thirds, quarters, and smaller fractions.
This element was once known as "quicksilver" because of its liquid, silvery appearance.
Mercury
This iconic board game was originally designed to demonstrate the dangers of monopolies and was based on a game created by Elizabeth Magie
Monopoly
This bird can fly backwards
Hummingbird
This breakfast food gets it name from the Roman goddess of agriculture and harvest.
Cereal
Standard pianos have 88 keys. Why was this configuration established as the industry standard by Steinway & Sons in the 1880s?
To balance the full range of human hearing with practical physical and manufacturing constraints.
This element's name comes from the Greek word for "green," referring to the color of its compounds.
Chlorine
This fast-food chain's original mascot was a cartoon character named Speedee before being replaced by the golden arches we know today.
McDonalds
This animal has three hearts and blue blood.
Octopus
What phrase comes from the shortened expression, "God be with you."
Goodbye
A standard deck has 52 cards because it evolved from European decks divided into four suits of 13 cards each. Why was each suit divided into 13 cards?
It corresponds to the number of lunar cycles in a year
Prussic acid, which is now known as HCN, was once used to make this color
Blue
This toy was originally invented as a stretchy, rubbery substance intended to clean wallpaper.
Play-doh
A shrimp's heart is located in this part of the body
Head
This word for a perilous situation came into English through French and ultimately Arabic, where it was associated with a game involving dice.
Hazard
A baker's dozen contains an extra loaf because bakers historically included it for this reason.
to ensure they weren't punished for accidentally selling underweight bread.
This pigment was once made from a highly toxic compound containing lead and arsenic.
(Chrome) orange
This household product was originally developed during World War II as a water-repellent coating for military vehicles before becoming a famous consumer product.
WD-40
This animal has fingerprints remarkably similar to humans
Koala
This word for a person who lacks sophistication comes from the surname of a medieval Scottish philosopher whose followers were mocked by later scholars.
Dunce
Ancient cultures' seven-day week development is associated with what?
Seven visible celestial bodies
This purple dye was accidentally discovered in 1856 by an 18-year-old trying to synthesize quinine.
Mauve
This word for a reddish-brown color comes from a dye originally made from the dried bodies of insects.
Carmine
This country has more pyramids than Egypt.
Sudan
This word for a sudden strong desire for food comes from a Latin word meaning "to crave."
Appetitie