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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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