HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — February 22, 2022, is a once-in-a-lifetime date that will deliver big connections among couples planning to tie the knot and those in the mathematics world.
Mathematicians say the number 2 is considered lucky. It’s linked to sensitivity, strength, power and connection, so a date that’s comprised of five or six 2’s, depending on how you write it out, is worth marking on your calendar, especially if you’re getting married. Tuesday marks 2/22/22 on a calendar.
Dr. Clayton Brooks, Marshall University Professor of Mathematics told MetroNews that ‘2’ holds significance on a mathematical level being the only even prime number. Brooks said ‘2’ is also the lowest level of base in which you can have a reasonable number system, as the binary number system is called ‘Base 2.’
The date 2/22/22 also falls on a Tuesday, the second day of the week.
“It’s fun to see these connections. It’s also good that it gets you to ask questions about well ‘what if you had this?’ or ‘when will we see something else interesting,’ Brooks said.
A Google search of “2/2/22” will reveal a message filled with colorful confetti that reads “Happy Twosday 2 You!”
Other dates in previous years such as 11/11/11 and 12/12/12 have occurred every 11 years; however, no “palindrome,” or symmetrical date like 2/22/22 will occur again in this century.
Brooks said patterns can be found all the time in dates depending on how you look at the numbers
“This one of the things we do in mathematics. We’ll see something interesting and then we’ll ask well what if we change this a little. Then we see something else interesting. That’s what we do, we look for patterns and ask these what-if questions,” he said.
As for his favorite date? Brooks said he’s like many mathematics.
“When we see Pi somewhere. For example, we love to celebrate Pi Day which is March 14. 3/14,” Brooks said.