Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Three Charts You Won't See on CNBC

Let's start in 1992.


Click to enlarge.

Now let's move to 2001.


Click to enlarge.

And finally, let's see where we are now.


Click to enlarge.

How to Graph Data Sets With Polynomials

The first quadratic equations, polynomial equations of the second degree, were being solved by the Babylonians in 400 BC. Today, polynomials are used to encode functions for solving problems in biology, chemistry, physics, and various social sciences including economics.

If second order polynomials were good enough for Babylonians in 400 BC, then they are good enough for me in 2012.

See Also:
Trend Line Disclaimer
Sarcasm Disclaimer

Source Data:
St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the how-to link.

    No one should pay for a textbook on polynomials, since they've been known for so long.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Scott,

    Don't even get me started on textbook prices. Are we reinventing calculus every year?

    Calculus

    Since the time of Leibniz and Newton, many mathematicians have contributed to the continuing development of calculus. One of the first and most complete works on finite and infinitesimal analysis was written in 1748 by Maria Gaetana Agnesi.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It is also believed that the 400 BC Babylonians brewed some damned good beer.

    Cheers!
    JzB

    ReplyDelete
  4. But I guess they should have with about 6000 (!) years of experience.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_beer

    Cheers! (clink)
    JzB

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jazzbumpa,

    Should an ancient keg of 2400+ year old Babylonian beer be unearthed, I shall allow others to do the honor of first sip. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I suspect it would be rather flat.

    JzB

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jazzbumpa,

    I suspect it would be rather flat.

    What better drink to remind us of recent American prosperity?

    ReplyDelete