Discrete Steps Vs Continuous Path

Discrete Steps Vs Continuous Path
math-memes, calculus-memes, summation-memes, integration-memes, mathematics-memes | ScienceHumor.io

The staircase perfectly captures the fundamental difference between summation and integration. The left side with discrete steps represents summation (Σ) - counting each individual step as you climb. Meanwhile, the ramp on the right represents integration (∫) - a smooth, continuous path covering the same vertical distance. Mathematicians will tell you they're equivalent in the limit, but engineers know which one is wheelchair accessible. The real question: would calculus have been invented sooner if Newton had mobility issues?

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