Ayale-com.254
net.math
utcsrgv!utzoo!decvax!yale-com!dls
Wed Mar 24 23:22:38 1982
my favorite paradox
When describing numbers, it is possible to use words instead of numerals; e.g.
one hundred seven thousand nine hundred and eighty six (107,986).  This
number is named in 15 syllables (count 'em). Consider:
  "The least number not describable in fewer than nineteen syllables."
It is equally clear that such a number ought to exist.  But a simple
counting argument shows I have just described it with eighteen syllables...
                                                   David Schweizer
                                      (decvax!yale-comix!dls)

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