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4ueupa
How often did marriages made to stabilize political alliances actually succeed? Did they actually prevent future backstabbing?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4ueupa/how_often_did_marriages_made_to_stabilize/
{ "a_id": [ "d5pass6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Can you clarify about *when* and *where* you're asking? My assumption would be Medieval Europe, but if you could be clearer it would be appreciated." ] }
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[ [] ]
9u8x6k
why does trap rap music glorify gun violence?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/9u8x6k/eli5why_does_trap_rap_music_glorify_gun_violence/
{ "a_id": [ "e92gpnq", "e92gvfo" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ " > What is the rationale?\n\nIt sells records.\n\nThat's the only objective explanation, which is what ELI5 is for. If you want to complain about popular music, there are subs for that.", "Read the lyrics of popular rap...
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[ [], [] ]
2g12qa
What was the German public's attitude towards "the Final Solution" in the years immediately following World War II?
It is my understanding that the Nazi concentration camps were not quite public knowledge, so how did the German public react to having been basically complicit in acts of mass torture and genocide once the full extent of the Third Reich's implementation of "the Final Solution" came to light? Do articles from the late 1...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2g12qa/what_was_the_german_publics_attitude_towards_the/
{ "a_id": [ "cker1d9" ], "score": [ 12 ], "text": [ "The phrase \"We didn't know\" is used until today when you ask people who were alive during World War II. While that may be correct individually, it certainly isn't when you look at the german society of the time. Especially in the last months o...
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[ [ "http://i.imgur.com/KWBQB.jpg" ] ]
4k5pc7
What do we know about the bathroom habits of American Indians?
Pretty much what the title says... Ive been doing a lot of reading lately trying to learn about the daily lives of native peoples who inhabited Southern California (and the Southwest in general). Today I realized I dont think I have seen a single reference to what ancient people did regarding waste. I have seen a cou...
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4k5pc7/what_do_we_know_about_the_bathroom_habits_of/
{ "a_id": [ "d3ckr10" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ "Generally they buried it. We often find coprolites (what archaeologists call poop) near or in trash middens and pits. It's actually one reason we like studying middens, because coprolites are a great way to analyze diet and certain types of dise...
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[ [] ]
rlmww
On light and shadows
While I was walking home last night I noticed that streetlights were only lighting up a small area of light underneath them, but then it went to very sudden darkness around them, like spotlights. The problem, though, is I can see the light at an angle and it doesn't seem any brighter from when I walk out of the shadow ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/rlmww/on_light_and_shadows/
{ "a_id": [ "c46tczl" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Honestly, I cannot answer your question accurately without actually seing the lights or experiencing it myself.\n\nWhat I can say though, is that maybe the \"no difference in illumination\" that your eyes see is some saturation. And since it was ...
[]
[ "http://i.imgur.com/2FJ9B.jpg", "http://i.imgur.com/g9B9x.jpg" ]
[ [] ]
20ldd1
Was the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia-Herzegovina a predictable event?
I know that prior to the first reports of ethnic cleansing, the Breadline massacre had occurred which really started to hint to the international community that something was wrong. I also know that ethnic tensions had existed ever since the Ottomans left the area.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/20ldd1/was_the_ethnic_cleansing_in_bosniaherzegovina_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cg4oajf" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Looking backwards, it probably was predictable, but with hindsight almost anything is. Ethnic tensions were present, but they were seldom a key issue, until they became acute. As ethnic history of the area is as much a history of cooperation than...
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[ [] ]
3vnxyv
what do college and nfl head coaches do?
With offensive and defensive coordinators and tons of other coaches for each position what is the head coaches main focus/responsibility during a game?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3vnxyv/eli5_what_do_college_and_nfl_head_coaches_do/
{ "a_id": [ "cxp4ssr", "cxp4z3m" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Head coaches are the overall strategists. They are the main voice on the sideline and many even call plays.\n\nWhilst the defensive co-ordinator and offensive co-ordinator are responsible for their own \"side of the ball\", ...
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[ [], [] ]
6ozh1v
could a woman take testosterone supplements while pregnant to increase the chances of the child being a boy?
I'm not a woman or pregnant, just curious.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6ozh1v/eli5_could_a_woman_take_testosterone_supplements/
{ "a_id": [ "dklfjoj", "dklfk7v" ], "score": [ 34, 5 ], "text": [ "No. Sex is not a hormonal issue, it's a genetic one. Your sex is determined based upon whether the sperm cell that fertilized your mother's egg had an X or a Y chromosome. No amount of testosterone will change that. ", ...
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[ [], [] ]
2q5qqy
During the British Raj in India, which lasted around 89 years, how common was it that a Brit would marry an Indian?
Considering they stayed there for about a hundred years or more and installed a government that lasted 89 years, there should be some large number here but it doesn't seem like it was very common.
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2q5qqy/during_the_british_raj_in_india_which_lasted/
{ "a_id": [ "cn35csr" ], "score": [ 24 ], "text": [ "Brits of what I would describe as Officer status tended to stop marrying Indians around the period from 1815-1825, ish. Before then it was very common, including Indian men marrying British women. Indeed, until the mid-Eighteenth century nearly ...
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[ [ "http://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Mughals-Betrayal-18th-century-Eighteenth-century/dp/0006550967" ] ]
2tu3qd
Was atheism a recognised way of thinking in the ancient world?
I'm mostly asking about big empires like the Persians, Greeks, Romans or Egyptians who had established religions. Was atheism a school of thought in these cultures and if so which classes of society did it pertain to and how were they treated by society?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2tu3qd/was_atheism_a_recognised_way_of_thinking_in_the/
{ "a_id": [ "co2ft8n", "co2iwh5", "co2kf1m", "co2knav", "co33zbs", "co34bkv", "co3n8zh" ], "score": [ 149, 108, 112, 47, 2, 9, 4 ], "text": [ "I would argue no, not in the modern sense. If I can paint with a broad brush for a moment, modern atheism i...
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[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.iep.utm.edu/wangchon/" ] ]
2g9ki4
tesla vs. auto dealers
Can someone please explain both sides of the Tesla vs. Auto Dealers conversation. Why does Tesla not want to take the traditional route, like auto makers in the past, and create dealerships? Why are auto dealers so worried about one car company selling directly to the public? Would Tesla really have any impact on a ...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2g9ki4/eli5tesla_vs_auto_dealers/
{ "a_id": [ "ckgya8z" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "Its not really about Ford. Ford, Toyota, all the rest... they don't give a fuck what Tesla does. Hell Toyota OWNS 20% or so of Tesla. Their success is perfectly fine and the only thing the other big boys want is a slice of this new market Tesl...
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39g9mc
how does extended release medicine work?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/39g9mc/eli5_how_does_extended_release_medicine_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cs32z9t", "cs33j93", "cs34ski" ], "score": [ 5, 14, 3 ], "text": [ "It is usually coated or mixed with something that doesn't get broken down by stomach acids very quickly. So when you swallow it, it starts to break down - but just slower.\n\nEdit: it's for this same r...
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[ [], [ "http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021121s014lbl.pdf" ], [] ]
xi0f2
Low Earth Orbit question.
What is the lowest possible circular orbit around the Earth, where the atmospheric drag is low enough that the spacecraft will stay in orbit for at least 16 years? And how can I calculate this myself?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/xi0f2/low_earth_orbit_question/
{ "a_id": [ "c5mij6g", "c5mjy7k" ], "score": [ 2, 4 ], "text": [ "If you want to calculate this from scratch you will need to at least understand some basic classical mechanics. It is not extremely complicated if you make your assumptions simple, but simplicity (in this case) leads to inac...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_models", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_gravitational_parameter", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_elements" ] ]
5eh4ji
emdrive. why does this violate newton's third law and how does it work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5eh4ji/eli5emdrive_why_does_this_violate_newtons_third/
{ "a_id": [ "daccjwg", "dacct7y", "dacctm1", "daccyka", "dace5dw", "dach8jb", "daci4ew", "dacytwn" ], "score": [ 6, 2, 57, 10, 7, 31, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "Nobody has shown that it works at all. There is a recent paper which managed to make it t...
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[]
[ [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGcvxg7jJTs&t=0s" ], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faster-than-light_neutrino_anomaly" ], [], [], [] ]
24l95h
what would happen if i ate nothing but cat/dog food for a month?
For instance, lets say I was lost at sea for a month with nothing but a 10 lb bag of cat/dog food. Would I be ok? Would I survive? Would I get sick? What is the difference between cat/dog food and human food?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/24l95h/eli5_what_would_happen_if_i_ate_nothing_but/
{ "a_id": [ "ch88leh", "ch89lit" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "10lb of kibbles and bits is a bit lean for a month. I could eat that much in a single sitting!\n\nSeriously. You're an omnivore and there's enough carbs and protein to pull you through. Lost at sea for a month and your bi...
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[ [], [] ]
297zre
Can fish live in space with no water?
I was talking with some friends and we were looking into how fish really breathe which eventually turned into why can't fish breathe out of water. When we learned that it was because their gills collapse due to the gravity and nothing to hold them open or something along those lines. Then, we began wondering what woul...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/297zre/can_fish_live_in_space_with_no_water/
{ "a_id": [ "ciiioru" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "what a fun question! lemme give it a stab!\n\nI would say, it depends a bit on how the fish breathes. (and, this is operating under the assumption that said fish is hanging out on a space station, where there's no gravity, but there is oxygen!)....
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[ [] ]
67b659
What is the difference between NMR and MRI, and what exactly are they?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/67b659/what_is_the_difference_between_nmr_and_mri_and/
{ "a_id": [ "dgpbua0" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "Same thing. People got scared of \"nuclear magnetic resonance\" so it was renamed to \"magnetic resonance imaging\". MRIs work by applying an extremely strong magnetic field to align the proton spins of hydrogen in the body, and then applying a ...
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[]
[ [ "http://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0169409X16302435-fx1.jpg" ] ]
2062s3
do airplanes have manual/automatic transmissions? how do they work without them (rpm speed/redlining)?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2062s3/eli5_do_airplanes_have_manualautomatic/
{ "a_id": [ "cg04qj2" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Airplanes do not have transmissions in the car sense; the fan/propeller just has one \"gear\". There may be a gearbox to match the core speed to the fan/propeller speed but you can't \"shift\" it. If you push the thrust lever all the way forward ...
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27kzm1
Has the US Military ever contracted out their man power?
Like sell their man power as hired guns, etc?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/27kzm1/has_the_us_military_ever_contracted_out_their_man/
{ "a_id": [ "ci1tqhr" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Smedley Butler claimed we used American military power at the behest of corporations in the Caribbean and Latin America. Others, like Stephen Kinzer in \"Overthrow\", claim that we've gone as far as to oust democratically elected governments sole...
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[ [] ]
78vjqd
how quantitive easing works (lsap)?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/78vjqd/eli5_how_quantitive_easing_works_lsap/
{ "a_id": [ "dox84kt" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Quantitative easing is a way for central banks to increase the money supply and make it easier for banks to lend money. \n\nWhen governments need cash in the short term, they often sell bonds. Bonds are essentially IOUs where the government agr...
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[ [] ]
61pvf6
How did the Austro-Hungarian military manage to organize such a linguistically diverse army?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/61pvf6/how_did_the_austrohungarian_military_manage_to/
{ "a_id": [ "dfgpf4r" ], "score": [ 13 ], "text": [ "The Army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was split into three parts; only one of which would be strongly linguistically diverse.\n\nFirst you have the Imperial-Royal Landwehr drawn from German speaking regions, and then you have the Royal Hungari...
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1kxq1v
diamonds - cut, clarity, color & carats oh my
What matters the most by cut? Buying online safe? Where from?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1kxq1v/eli5_diamonds_cut_clarity_color_carats_oh_my/
{ "a_id": [ "cbtnwxd", "cbtqdr0" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "What do you mean what matters the most by cut? \n \nI wouldn't buy online even from a reputable dealer myself, but it is safe as long as its a reputable dealer. I want to see exactly what I am getting when it comes t...
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[ [], [] ]
1nkj7m
what would happen if the us ran out of money?
I'm talking complete bankruptcy, so that there's no money to pay the people who print money or pay the people who make the materials on which money is printed, so the presses can't even be funded to print more money. I'm kind of aware of the whole 'if you print more money it leads to inflation' idea, but what exactly h...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1nkj7m/what_would_happen_if_the_us_ran_out_of_money/
{ "a_id": [ "ccjeyla", "ccjeyo3", "ccjezsw" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ " > ELI5 isn't a guessing game; if you aren't confident in your explanation, please don't speculate.\n\nyeah unanswerable question", "essentially, ignoring many facets, it would be a snowball effect....
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[ [], [], [] ]
3oz76d
How similar were the kingdoms of Israel and Judah to their neighbors in the ancient Near East?
Any info would be great, but I'm thinking in terms of things like culture, politics, and religion.
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3oz76d/how_similar_were_the_kingdoms_of_israel_and_judah/
{ "a_id": [ "cw2hkr7" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "#Religion:\n\nThe religion in Ancient Israel and Judah could be called a forerunner to Judaism. The majority of the people were monotheistic, and followed God, whom they called Yahweh. The main language of Judah and Israel was ancient Hebrew. \n\...
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[ [ "http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/Kingdoms1.html" ] ]
280m6p
where did all these black people stereo types start from? (watermelon,grape whatever etc..)
I AM NOT RACIST JUST CURIOUS :D
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/280m6p/eli5_where_did_all_these_black_people_stereo/
{ "a_id": [ "ci694iq", "ci6a3nq" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "They started from racist thought, the process of noticing something one person does and applying it to their entire race.\n\nThe human mind tends to do this. (It an example of categorical thinking.) There's a branch of mat...
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[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simpson's_paradox" ], [] ]
1admvt
What do the units in some of the more abstract physical constants mean? Do they have physical meaning, or are defined that way to make the units cancel properly?
The constants that inspired this question were the gravitational constant ( L^3 / mt^2 ) and the electrostatic constant (t^4 I^2 / m^3 L). As an additional question in the same vein, what do the units mean in things like meters^4 or mass^2 that don't have clear physical relations?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1admvt/what_do_the_units_in_some_of_the_more_abstract/
{ "a_id": [ "c8wfa9f", "c8wh5pk", "c8ws3ya" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "[One of the reasons for those seemingly abstract units is its convenience in checking.](_URL_0_)", "I don't know the exact history of those particular constants, but it starts with the observation o...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimension_analysis" ], [], [ "http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=inconstant-constants-jan-12", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_System_of_Units" ] ]
232wx3
Do bugs get sick like we do, like get a cold?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/232wx3/do_bugs_get_sick_like_we_do_like_get_a_cold/
{ "a_id": [ "cgsxtwc", "cgt514s", "cgtb04a", "cgthwt8" ], "score": [ 86, 6, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "An insect can't get a cold like we do because they don't have a respiratory tract that's anything like ours....but they can get infections (get sick). Just about every organism on...
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[ [], [ "http://www.wired.com/2013/09/absurd-creature-of-the-week-zombie-ant-fungus/", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8" ], [ "http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/TOOLS/PNAI/pnaishow.php?id=10" ], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_disease" ] ]
300jlh
what is the interaction of a drug with a human & how is it different person to person & species to species?
Pharmacy drugs rather than recreational.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/300jlh/eli5_what_is_the_interaction_of_a_drug_with_a/
{ "a_id": [ "cpo0se6" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Imagine a drug as a key. This key can only fit inside a certain lock. That lock is a receptor in your body. Then the drug (key) binds to the receptor (lock) the drug exerts its effects. From person to person there are subtle differences in the r...
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34xbbr
exactly how does a bullet proof vest only last five years?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/34xbbr/eli5_exactly_how_does_a_bullet_proof_vest_only/
{ "a_id": [ "cqyxjma" ], "score": [ 7 ], "text": [ "The Kevlar fibres in such vests are set with a 5 year \"good for\" life. After that the integrity of the vest is variable so setting that limit saves liability for manufacturers. " ] }
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[ [] ]
4vmn10
why, in old movies, do they make light fall across an actor's or an actress' eyes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4vmn10/eli5_why_in_old_movies_do_they_make_light_fall/
{ "a_id": [ "d5zo6a2", "d5zp1lp", "d5zp2dw", "d5zp7vp", "d5zpagd", "d5zpcdz", "d5zpfd2", "d5zpjmr", "d5zpm5h", "d5zpv93", "d5zpzyg", "d5zqcsm", "d5zqdih", "d5zr6pw", "d5zr89n", "d5zrbir", "d5zrvll", "d5zsasp", "d5zulrp", "d5zuweq", "d...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://www.cinema.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/imagecache/Large/images/section-pages/Staccato.jpg" ], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiaroscuro" ], [], [], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnUqGTNezME#t=1m50s", "https://gonzohistory.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/tos_madlyn_rhue....
2tpli6
How was king Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia able to have more than four wives?
As I understand it Islamic law forbids any man of having more than four wives. Ibn Saud apparently had 22 wives. How was he able to reconcile this with Islam, especially considering the highly religious nature of the Saudi state?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2tpli6/how_was_king_abdulaziz_of_saudi_arabia_able_to/
{ "a_id": [ "co1606j", "co1qsne" ], "score": [ 27, 7 ], "text": [ "I don't think he ever had more than four at once.", "Robert Lacey's \"The Kingdom\" describes King Abdulaziz repeatedly divorcing women so that he can keep to the Islamic limit of four wives. He even remarried one of th...
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[ [], [] ]
2blr19
could we use nuclear winter to counteract global warming?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2blr19/eli5_could_we_use_nuclear_winter_to_counteract/
{ "a_id": [ "cj6jnrl", "cj6jzb0" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "No. Very simply, global warming is when there is so much stuff in the atmosphere that heat is trapped in. Nuclear winter is when there is even more stuff in the atmosphere and no heat can get in. In a really extreme case, gl...
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[ [], [] ]
919e0e
how is it that the direction you cut steak makes a difference in how tender it is?
I always hear to cut a steak against the grain and it will be more tender. How does that work? Your teeth when you’re chewing are what determines how tender something is and your mouth moves the meat around and cuts in every direction so why does it matter which way you slice the meat?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/919e0e/eli5_how_is_it_that_the_direction_you_cut_steak/
{ "a_id": [ "e2wbv4c", "e2wc0ky", "e2wicd7" ], "score": [ 8, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Somebody will explain it better. But, because muscles are a large bunch of fibers, cutting against the grain (across the fibers) results in short pieces, easily separated by your chewing. Cutting with t...
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[ [], [], [] ]
48df7l
Maned lions are ubiquitous in English iconography, heraldry and lore. Given that the last of the European lions died out in Greece around 100 BCE, this seems strange. Did lions take on a more mythical character than biological reality in medieval British minds?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/48df7l/maned_lions_are_ubiquitous_in_english_iconography/
{ "a_id": [ "d0iyi34", "d0iyzk3" ], "score": [ 6, 2 ], "text": [ "Various European monarchs kept Menageries - think of them as a sort of personal zoo. English Kings kept their Menagerie at the Tower of London. There are accounts in the medieval period of Polar Bears, Elephants, and yes, ...
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[ [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/3qu91c/why_do_so_many_medieval_and_current_european/" ] ]
31t8hl
What does it mean to be "Western"
Some characteristics of the Western identity is as follows: * The founders of western civilization were the Greeks and Romans. * Much of modern western thought was developed in the Enlightenment, which values rationalism, free speech, republicanism, etc. * Christianity is a major, if not, the most integral piece of ...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/31t8hl/what_does_it_mean_to_be_western/
{ "a_id": [ "cq4rau7", "cq534q2" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "Is this a homework or essay question? If so, please flag it as such.", "I can't create a coherent definition of \"western\" that excludes Latin America. Latin American states adopted Iberian languages and the Catholic r...
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[ [], [] ]
c26p8g
Some people claim that US Milk consumption was made purposely and the government faked its benefits. How true is this about milk?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/c26p8g/some_people_claim_that_us_milk_consumption_was/
{ "a_id": [ "erjauyr" ], "score": [ 22 ], "text": [ "Could you please clarify what you mean by \"US Milk consumption was purposely made\"?\nRegarding the government faking its benefits, it's difficult to prove a negative and so I can't say that at no point has the US (or any other) government over...
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[ [ "https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/129/11/2094/4721978", "https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/calciumvitamin-d/", "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908269/" ] ]
hblw3
What would you see if a black hole passed between you and a large star?
As my understanding goes, black holes exert such a gravitational pull that light is unable to escape from beyond its event horizon, rendering it invisible. So, if one were to pass between me and a large, bright star, what would I observe? Nothing (hole remains invisible)? Would the star appear to wildly distort as its ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/hblw3/what_would_you_see_if_a_black_hole_passed_between/
{ "a_id": [ "c1u4ah6", "c1u4hvx", "c1ua407" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "The phenomenon is called gravitational lensing. Have a read up on it, then feel free to ask follow-up questions.", "[Something similar to this](_URL_0_)", "If aliens are chasing you, don't hide ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Black_hole_lensing_web.gif" ], [] ]
1mk82p
Are there any examples of positive side-effects from radiation?
Usually radiation is shown as only having negative side-effects (ex: cancer). Are there any recorded instances of people being exposed to radiation, perhaps in very small doses, that had a more positive outcome? I'm not talking about superpowers or anything, just wondering if something like that had ever happened. Th...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1mk82p/are_there_any_examples_of_positive_sideeffects/
{ "a_id": [ "cca21v2", "cca33j6", "cca5k7y" ], "score": [ 2, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "Depending on the type and energy levels of the radiation, sure.\n \nA few examples.\nPlants produce oxygen and sugar from a certain type of radiation. \n\nIt can help humans synthesize d vitamin which h...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/radiation" ] ]
fh25r2
What is the difference between wild dogs and wolves?
What makes a wild canine a wild dog or a wolf or something else? My googling has been less than helpful.
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/fh25r2/what_is_the_difference_between_wild_dogs_and/
{ "a_id": [ "fka26qn", "fkb92mn", "fkc3a89" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Genetics, or more specifically their DNA. If dogs were left feral and didn't interbreed with wolves or coyotes but only other feral dogs, even many many generations later, their descendants would still ...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_coyote" ], [ "https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2013/01/diet-shaped-dog-domestication" ], [] ]
3nom55
Can microbes travel upstream in flowing water?
I've imagined microbes travelling upstream when I pee or contaminating a water bottle when I share it with others. Is this possible? Is there risk of a UTI if I pee in a stagnant pool in the woods for example or when I share a water bottle and someone with a cold pours water in their mouth without using their lips. ...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/3nom55/can_microbes_travel_upstream_in_flowing_water/
{ "a_id": [ "cvqi5vg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "Peeing in the woods is unlikely result in infection, as there is an air gap.\nHowever peeing while swimming/wading in a contaminated natural body of water is known to result in infections:\n[_URL_0_](_URL_0_)" ] }
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schistosomiasis" ] ]
22aayo
How did the government of the Dutch Republic work?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/22aayo/how_did_the_government_of_the_dutch_republic_work/
{ "a_id": [ "cglbabv" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I'm Dutch myself and i just made a exam about that subject so il answer you're question\n\nFirst of the dutch republic was more like a federation, you had 8 normal provinces and 2 General provinces (which had slightly more autonomy)\nThats why th...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://imgur.com/dbnkS7C" ] ]
q76wr
Is there any data to show/explain trends in food allergies? Wheat, Nut, and so on - has there been an increase in afflicted people?
Just something my friends are chatting about - that it's strange how there's a lot of people afflicted with allergies to some of the most common food products - is there a reason for this?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/q76wr/is_there_any_data_to_showexplain_trends_in_food/
{ "a_id": [ "c3vdndq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "[This](_URL_0_) is the study Got-Engineers is referring to. The researchers took a historical look at stored blood from military people, tested it for Celiac disease, and compared it to a cohort of current military people. They did see an unexp...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(09)00523-X/abstract", "http://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=13354635384365540091&as_sdt=5,50&sciodt=0,50&hl=en" ] ]
3znuk7
why can't scientists create new "creatures" by mixing 2 dnas or something?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3znuk7/eli5why_cant_scientists_create_new_creatures_by/
{ "a_id": [ "cynmjwf", "cynmpto", "cynmwf0" ], "score": [ 3, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "You mean a bat? \n\nWe're getting to the point where we can inject DNA from one organism into another. It is still in very early stages and *hugely* controversial. ", "There's no section of the DNA ...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_rice" ], [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sjwlxQ_6LI" ] ]
2k7txp
why are there so many bugs like mrsa and vre, but nothing is immune to plain old alcohol or bleach?
I mean, we use 10,000 times more of both of these then we use any of the antibiotics, it seems something would have grown to be immune to it by now, right?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2k7txp/eli5_why_are_there_so_many_bugs_like_mrsa_and_vre/
{ "a_id": [ "clippze", "cliq0ex", "cliqu2x" ], "score": [ 3, 6, 5 ], "text": [ "Because bleach damages on a chemical and cellular level. It's not an antibiotic, it's a chemical. Anything will get killed by bleach if ingested, or inhaled.", "Killing things is easy. Killing only ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
p49g3
city bonds used for building/investing in roads.
I don't even know how to phrase this question. But how do bonds work? When a city uses a bond to pay off infrastructure or building sewers. Is that like a loan of sorts? I'm confused. Thanks
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/p49g3/city_bonds_used_for_buildinginvesting_in_roads/
{ "a_id": [ "c3mdhs4", "c3mdtha" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "a bond is a piece of paper that promises the person who purchased it a certain amount of money in the future. If a city wants to build a road, but don't have the money right away, they issue bonds to raise money. \n\ndiffere...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
20mhz5
gravitational waves
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/20mhz5/eli5_gravitational_waves/
{ "a_id": [ "cg4p848" ], "score": [ 16 ], "text": [ "Gravitational waves are precisely what they sound like: a gravitational gradient. One of the predictions within Relativity is that gravity is a function of the fabric of space, and that it propagates at the speed of light.\n\nAs a result, when t...
[]
[]
[ [] ]
3qn693
why do screens look more pixelated in pictures than they do with the eyes?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3qn693/eli5_why_do_screens_look_more_pixelated_in/
{ "a_id": [ "cwgn9m8", "cwgnatd" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "assuming the picture was taken with a digital camera, it is recording the photo digitally (ie in pixels) which lowers the resolution (number of pixels per inch)", "A few reasons - the screen, made of pixels is being show...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
14ctk4
When did concubines or harems fall out of favor?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/14ctk4/when_did_concubines_or_harems_fall_out_of_favor/
{ "a_id": [ "c7c260n" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Seconding /u/1Tw03Four here; which culture are you talking about? There's a lot of them that practised the use of harems and concubinage." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
5gkqqy
does anyone want to explain the bohr model of hydrogen atom to me?
I do not understand the equations for "Radii for Bohr orbits", "Bohr energy levels in joules", and "Bohr energy levels in eV". It looks like a bunch of random symbols where I don't know where they came from.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5gkqqy/eli5does_anyone_want_to_explain_the_bohr_model_of/
{ "a_id": [ "dat17cp", "dat3877" ], "score": [ 3, 8 ], "text": [ "so Bohr suggested that atoms arent muffins(like was thought before him) where electrons are inside of protons like raisins in muffins, but rather like planets, with protons being in the middle and electrons spinning around t...
[]
[]
[ [], [ "http://web.sbu.edu/chemistry/wier/electrons/bohrstandingwave.jpg" ] ]
dat7mn
Is the 'framerate' of our eyes greater in our peripheral vision compared to the 'frame rate' of our eyes more towards the center of our field of view?
I'm wondering if you would place a screen and play animations which have different frame rates (other parameters constant) would the frame rate of the animation at which you would perceive the animation as fluid be different to the frame rate if you would do the same experiment in the centre (or close to it) of your fi...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/dat7mn/is_the_framerate_of_our_eyes_greater_in_our/
{ "a_id": [ "f1wjbhn", "f1x0ln3" ], "score": [ 7, 8 ], "text": [ "Back in the day when CRT were common, you could see the (here) 50Hz flicker when looking at it with peripheral vision.\n\nRod cells at the outer areas of our retina can't perceive color, but are more sensitive to light and a...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
yf6jq
blood pressure, the basics please?
I've got my elderly mom (78) staying with me and a blood pressure monitor to take morning and eveningreadings. I believe her readings should usually be around 70 something and 130 something but they are all over the place. So, what do the readings mean? I need basic understanding so I know when should I take her to the...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yf6jq/blood_pressure_the_basics_please/
{ "a_id": [ "c5uzm57", "c5v0k2f", "c5v3jpt", "c5v879a" ], "score": [ 5, 23, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Normal blood pressure for a healthy person is [120/80](_URL_0_). Is your mom on meds for her blood pressure? If it drops much lower than normal she may feel ill. If it gets too hi...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.ask.com/web?q=normal%20blood%20pressure&askid=82416ac3-f857-4735-9f6c-7fc7a2f43b8f-0-us_gsb&kv=sdb&dqi=normal+blood+pressure&qsrc=999&o=102264&l=dir" ], [], [], [] ]
16ftou
when your stomach hurts, what physically is hurting inside of you and how is it doing the hurting?
My stomach spent 15 hours in the deepest pits of Mordor yesterday and it got me thinking this question. It obviously hurts, but what is hurting and what is physically causing me to feel this pain? Edit: Thanks for your responses everyone. That pretty much cleared it up.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/16ftou/eli5_when_your_stomach_hurts_what_physically_is/
{ "a_id": [ "c7vnk5b", "c7vnkmz", "c7vnsfx", "c7vnw86", "c7vnwu8", "c7vobn3", "c7voc8a", "c7vppxy", "c7vy4r0", "c7vzkpf" ], "score": [ 20, 326, 6, 6, 2, 6, 331, 5, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Follow-up question: what's the physical dif...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [] ]
2ste5v
Does cold weather reduce crime rate?
I know there are several reasons but if I superficially compare Canada or other European countries with India or countries in Africa. Even in tropical countries, crime seemingly takes a dip during winters.
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2ste5v/does_cold_weather_reduce_crime_rate/
{ "a_id": [ "co57wnb" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "well those countries also tend to have lighter skin..." ] }
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[ [] ]
535rzr
how can a company like luxottica own such a large proportion of a market?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/535rzr/eli5_how_can_a_company_like_luxottica_own_such_a/
{ "a_id": [ "d7q7jdk", "d7qaue6", "d7qezf8" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 19 ], "text": [ "There's nothing inherently wrong or logically illegal about one company controlling a \"monopolistic\" market share. So long as that company still acts like it has competition (fair pricing, supply/dem...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
5j8v93
how are slot machines both random (by rng) but still weighted and set to payout percentages?
Slot machines constantly generate authentic random numbers (not pseudo random, according to gaming regulation) which correlate with pre-determined, numbered stops on each reel. At the same time, each stop is weighted differently, and machines are required to pay out a certain percentage over time How can it be both t...
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5j8v93/eli5how_are_slot_machines_both_random_by_rng_but/
{ "a_id": [ "dbe8hft", "dbe8inl", "dbebr7m", "dbedx7j", "dbeq5cv" ], "score": [ 6, 14, 2, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "A random variable is not necessarily a **uniformly-distributed** random variable. You can sample random numbers from a distribution which favors certain outc...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [ "https://www.google.com/patents/US4448419" ] ]
1kb8q5
Before the widespread use of sunscreen, how likely were you to die of melanoma?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1kb8q5/before_the_widespread_use_of_sunscreen_how_likely/
{ "a_id": [ "cbnr3jq" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Sunscreen was invented in 1946, and I believe it became popular pretty quickly, sometime in the 1950's. This is right around the time that people started to become more comfortable in their bodies, and skin exposure outside of your home didn't ha...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.flickr.com/photos/historysa/4419012774/" ] ]
bk8jvr
how is storage freed in computer hardware at a physical level?
I understand that you can delete software files easily, but what is the physical process of deleting that data?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/bk8jvr/eli5_how_is_storage_freed_in_computer_hardware_at/
{ "a_id": [ "emeqiou", "emer7e7", "emeuw2m" ], "score": [ 4, 9, 2 ], "text": [ "There's an area of data on the drive called the file allocation table which keeps track of which areas are in use. At the basic basic level removing an entry from here is a \"soft delete\" because that...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
15aglk
How tolerant were the Ottomans really, and how did this translate into post-WWI Turkey?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/15aglk/how_tolerant_were_the_ottomans_really_and_how_did/
{ "a_id": [ "c7korkw" ], "score": [ 11 ], "text": [ "That is an extremely broad question as the Empire spanned several hundred years under various rulers, some religious-conservatives, others not. Also remember that immediately following WWI Ataturk led what was left of the former Empire into an e...
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[]
[ [] ]
1haw0h
What do we know about the human diet before the advent of fire?
What animals were considered human prey?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1haw0h/what_do_we_know_about_the_human_diet_before_the/
{ "a_id": [ "caslkzs" ], "score": [ 4 ], "text": [ "It's fine here, but you might try asking this in /r/AskAnthropology too." ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
4ggr01
if you have no sense of taste can you feel the heat/spiciness from something like a pepper?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4ggr01/eli5if_you_have_no_sense_of_taste_can_you_feel/
{ "a_id": [ "d2hez7o" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Yes. Capsaicin (the chemical responsible for the spiciness of peppers), interacts with neurons, not taste receptor (although taste receptors are similar to very specialized neurons) so they would still feel the heat" ] }
[]
[]
[ [] ]
41yk0z
Why does mars only have 11% of Earth's Mass, despite being 50% the size?
[deleted]
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/41yk0z/why_does_mars_only_have_11_of_earths_mass_despite/
{ "a_id": [ "cz6927l", "cz7nq21" ], "score": [ 28, 2 ], "text": [ "[Mars](_URL_2_) has a mean density of 3.933 g/cm compared to 5.514 g/cm3 for [Earth](_URL_0_).\n\nThe radius of Mars at 2,106 mi is slightly over half of Earth's radius 3,959 mi. Thus the ratios of their volumes is 2106^3 /...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth", "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%282106^3%29%2F%283959^3%29", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars" ], [] ]
cjapdi
how do tower crane counterweights keep from falling out?
[image](_URL_0_). It looks like it's just held by compression, but that doesn't seem to make much sense
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/cjapdi/eli5_how_do_tower_crane_counterweights_keep_from/
{ "a_id": [ "evc2jdc" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "In the image you have linked you can clearly see the retaining bolts coming out of the sides, this stops them slipping through." ] }
[]
[ "https://images.app.goo.gl/7kgZewUHLK3KfWbW8" ]
[ [] ]
2fwtil
What were wages like for 19th century domestic servants in the U.K. and U.S.?
Because live-in servants received room and board as part of their employment, were they able to save enough of their wages to provide for retirement, illness, or an injury that would prevent them from working? For someone like a governess, nurse, or nanny (who would eventually have to find another situation when the c...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2fwtil/what_were_wages_like_for_19th_century_domestic/
{ "a_id": [ "ckeuhwg" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I can answer pretty well for the state of things in the UK.\n\n > Were they able to save enough of their wages to provide for retirement?\n\nGenerally speaking, yes. Their wages were mostly terrible, but they would presumably move up in pay/posi...
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[]
[ [] ]
mfjmm
How close are we to building an image of an organism based on DNA?
I mean let's say if we'd only have the DNA but we have no idea from what organism it is. No matching from the indexed DNA. What knowledge are we lacking that would allow us to recreate a computer image of how the organism would look like at adult age?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/mfjmm/how_close_are_we_to_building_an_image_of_an/
{ "a_id": [ "c30huo4", "c30i8en", "c30juw4", "c30huo4", "c30i8en", "c30juw4" ], "score": [ 5, 2, 6, 5, 2, 6 ], "text": [ "You would lack epigenetic information - patterns of acetylation and methylation to the DNA sequence (and other modifications we are as y...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelman_syndrome", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prader%E2%80%93Willi_syndrome", "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genomic_imprinting" ], [], [ "http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&cp=18&gs_id=9&xhr=t&q=the+joy+of+cooking&safe=off&n...
7mne80
how do the sights of mortars (the weapon) work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7mne80/eli5_how_do_the_sights_of_mortars_the_weapon_work/
{ "a_id": [ "drvaog4" ], "score": [ 10 ], "text": [ " > how do the sights of mortars (the weapon) work?\n\nThey aren't exactly \"sighted\" in the same way as other weapons. They are a method of indirect fire so they are designed to fire at things which cannot be seen, making traditional \"sights\...
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[]
[ [] ]
4xgt2i
why can mice be inbred?
Why can mice be inbred for 20 generations and stay healthy, while most other animals can't? edit: answered. ty! apparently they're fucked up too.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4xgt2i/eli5_why_can_mice_be_inbred/
{ "a_id": [ "d6fcv4a", "d6fcvyz", "d6fcwbc", "d6fcz9d", "d6fd2r7", "d6fd67d", "d6fe2xb", "d6ffm75", "d6fh013", "d6fhg9m", "d6fhrjn", "d6fi2uq", "d6fj42l", "d6foxhy", "d6fp3nw", "d6fq7cf", "d6ft8ha" ], "score": [ 3160, 852, 6, 48, ...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2012/10/22/163397584/how-human-beings-almost-vanished-from-earth-in-70-000-b-c" ], [], [], [ "https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/2ufq5x/why_does_incest_or_breeding_within_family_cause/", ...
yp8ug
how do "convenience fees" work/how are they justified?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/yp8ug/eli5_how_do_convenience_fees_workhow_are_they/
{ "a_id": [ "c5xlhga" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "A business has to pay the credit card company in order to use their service. Convenience fees are their way of passing the cost on to you." ] }
[]
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[ [] ]
1rpbvb
Why does the pitch change when you zip a zipper faster/slower
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1rpbvb/why_does_the_pitch_change_when_you_zip_a_zipper/
{ "a_id": [ "cdpiz4t" ], "score": [ 26 ], "text": [ "Imagine yourself the zipper has a few points it will produce a sound on whenever you cross it. Each time you cross one of these marks it'll produce one sound wave.\r\rThus the frequency will be determined by how many marks you cross each second....
[]
[]
[ [] ]
f1f9sc
did we invent music or discover it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/f1f9sc/eli5_did_we_invent_music_or_discover_it/
{ "a_id": [ "fh4yu5v", "fh58r6c", "fh5jino" ], "score": [ 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "This is the same debate between legal positivism and natural law. Or rather, legal realism vs formalism. It's been going on for a while but over the past century the running gag is that:\n\n > we are al...
[]
[]
[ [ "https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/legal-positivism/", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_realism" ], [], [] ]
37wuw0
Question about medicinal half-lives: why don't medications accumulate in the body when taken regularly?
Let's say I'm taking a medication every day, once a day. Let's say the half life is 12 hours (perhaps something like minocycline, but I just chose that arbitrarily). That means that at the end of the 24 hours, I still have 25% of the active ingredient of the previous pill still in my system based solely on the definiti...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/37wuw0/question_about_medicinal_halflives_why_dont/
{ "a_id": [ "crqgmy9", "crqqwfe" ], "score": [ 23, 2 ], "text": [ "OK Let's do a little maths. It's probably better to do this with actual masses rather than %ge of dose.\n\nFor ease of calculation, let's say 1 dose is 100 grams. We'll use your 12 hour half life from the question, and assu...
[]
[]
[ [ "http://www.math.wpi.edu/Course_Materials/MA1023D09/Labs/drug.pdf" ], [] ]
3s7sfv
what's the situation with the starbucks holiday cups
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3s7sfv/eli5_whats_the_situation_with_the_starbucks/
{ "a_id": [ "cwuubht" ], "score": [ 6 ], "text": [ "Mostly, it's a slow news day. \n\nYou see, the cups are red and green, and according to the media, that is not Christmassy enough for certain demented people who require graven images for their celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, Lamb ...
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[ [] ]
8w1lzz
if it's bad luck to say "macbeth" in a theater, how do people perform macbeth?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/8w1lzz/eli5_if_its_bad_luck_to_say_macbeth_in_a_theater/
{ "a_id": [ "e1s0k47", "e1s0leh" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "The play itself is supposedly cursed. Saying the name is certainly better than staging it in that regard. If you are staging it you either say \"The play\" or just um... stop being superstitious. ", "From the theatrical...
[]
[]
[ [], [] ]
jldc0
Do video cameras capture other spectrums of light? Also, why or why not?
I saw a video of someone tanning on an electric tanning bed today and it got me wondering. Would that video camera also record the UV light that is being emitted? Would it be different in analog vs digital cameras? I know at least some cameras are able to pick up infrared, but would infrared light be retransmitted whil...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/jldc0/do_video_cameras_capture_other_spectrums_of_light/
{ "a_id": [ "c2d5tku", "c2d5tku" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "A camera is designed with a specific range of frequencies in mind. Since we see in the visible, most video cameras pick up that range (with a little into the near IR). Other cameras can be designed to pick up other frequenci...
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[ [], [] ]
karha
greek mythology
Hi there, I am currently a student in high school, and my english class has begun a section on Greek Mythology. The teacher has assumed everyone has learned the basics in middle school, but my middle school never had a dedicated english class, let alone classes on greek mythology. & #3232;\_ & #3232; Will anyone exp...
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/karha/eli5_greek_mythology/
{ "a_id": [ "c2isb46", "c2isjsa", "c2islyq", "c2itmn2", "c2iu3yk", "c2isb46", "c2isjsa", "c2islyq", "c2itmn2", "c2iu3yk" ], "score": [ 3, 3, 23, 3, 2, 3, 3, 23, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Everything in everyday life had a patron god/g...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [ "http://boomertownsquare.com/caduceus.jpg" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalus#Story_of_Tantalus" ], [], [], [ "http://boomertownsquare.com/caduceus.jpg" ], [], [ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalus#Story_of_Tantalus" ] ]
2s0ttk
why are some doors hollow?
A quick Google search came up with door stores selling hollow core doors.
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/2s0ttk/eli5_why_are_some_doors_hollow/
{ "a_id": [ "cnl35j5", "cnl36ib", "cnl3l5t" ], "score": [ 29, 3, 4 ], "text": [ "Hollow doors are lighter, cheaper, and aren't meant for security. They are generally used for interior doors where security and insulation aren't required.", "Because they're cheaper. It saves home...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [] ]
amkdb4
globalization vs globalism
Seriously, what's the difference? I'm clueless and the news isn't helping me understand at all
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/amkdb4/eli5_globalization_vs_globalism/
{ "a_id": [ "efmsmd1" ], "score": [ 5 ], "text": [ "**Globalization** is a concept in business and economics where businesses, governments, and people operate at a global scale. It's an outgrowth of free market capitalism. \n\nSo think of an American restaurant in the early-20th century. An Americ...
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[ [] ]
56vojg
¿why does the spanish language incorporate two question marks at the beginning and end of their questions when writing?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/56vojg/eli5_why_does_the_spanish_language_incorporate/
{ "a_id": [ "d8mqold", "d8mqqcl", "d8mqrd0", "d8n05d7", "d8n37sf", "d8ncc8n", "d8nf4we" ], "score": [ 53, 5, 3, 18, 2, 4, 3 ], "text": [ "In Spanish, as in English, the whole sentence is transformed by the fact it's a question--the meaning is differe...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_question_and_exclamation_marks" ], [], [], [] ]
65qe6s
can the brain function if some nonessential parts get removed?how?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/65qe6s/eli5_can_the_brain_function_if_some_nonessential/
{ "a_id": [ "dgccn5j", "dgcczma", "dgcfdt4", "dgchs7v", "dgcsrfm" ], "score": [ 8, 2, 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Yes indeed, although it can negatively affect people's mind/senses/motor functions if you remove too much or the wrong part. How? The answer is in your quest...
[]
[]
[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Gage" ], [ "https://medlineplus.gov/traumaticbraininjury.html", "http://www.traumaticbraininjury.com", "http://www.headinjury.com/welcome.htm", "https://www.braintrauma.org", "http://m.imdb.com/title/tt3322364/" ] ]
13wcq3
differences between hong kong and china. economic, political, cultural, etc..
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/13wcq3/differences_between_hong_kong_and_china_economic/
{ "a_id": [ "c77r1ud" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Hong Kong was ruled by the British for over 150 years, up until 1997. Because of that they have western style capitalism with free trade and little government control. " ] }
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[ [] ]
7ghtus
how does static cling work?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/7ghtus/eli5_how_does_static_cling_work/
{ "a_id": [ "dqj754o", "dqjh7bg" ], "score": [ 2, 2 ], "text": [ "That is an honest to god mystery of the universe. Electrons get rubbed off on a surface through friction. This gives it a charge. This charge then electrostatically attracts other charges, causing ‘cling’. The how isn’t the...
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[ [], [] ]
5bdiar
why are sportspeople more likely to get injured now compared to decades ago?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5bdiar/eli5_why_are_sportspeople_more_likely_to_get/
{ "a_id": [ "d9nmqw3", "d9nmt4n", "d9no5g0" ], "score": [ 6, 7, 2 ], "text": [ "It's not that they're more likely. It's more likely that we can diagnose/recognize injuries. ", "Higher speeds and more wear and tear are the two major reasons. Think of this for a young pitcher. Ba...
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[]
[ [], [], [] ]
mc7jy
AskScience Announcements!
Wow, what a month this has been! Our readership has more than tripled, as a result of being a default subreddit. Our traffic is up more than 10-fold! The number of moderators has doubled. And, if I do say so myself, this is *still* the best place in all of Reddit! At least, I learn the most from all you good people, ...
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/mc7jy/askscience_announcements/
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[ "https://plus.google.com/117310850002483290031/about", "http://www.facebook.com/AskScience", "http://www.reddit.com/r/Assistance/comments/mbaxe/ms_christine_needs_your_help/", "https://twitter.com/#!/RedditAskScienc", "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/hdal5/questions_to_scientists_from_6th_grader...
[ [], [], [], [], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/mbxcy/is_hemp_really_a_miraculous_plant_that_could" ], [ "http://imgur.com/0LLMs" ], [ "http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/mc7jy/askscience_announcements/c2zrdqo", "http://i.imgur.com/N1X3D.png" ], [ "htt...
4owm5g
how does pickling work
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/4owm5g/eli5_how_does_pickling_work/
{ "a_id": [ "d4g91s4" ], "score": [ 3 ], "text": [ "I believe because the vinegar makes the water solution too acidic for most bacteria to survive in. " ] }
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[ [] ]
6jes6r
why do bugs seem to fly in circles around one when out hiking, particularly around the head?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6jes6r/eli5_why_do_bugs_seem_to_fly_in_circles_around/
{ "a_id": [ "djdpy4b" ], "score": [ 41 ], "text": [ "Generally, they are either attracted to the carbon dioxide you are exhaling or the body heat you are giving off. For flies, it's the CO2, mosquitoes seek body heat. And the head is usually the hottest part of your body, and it's usually exposed,...
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[ [] ]
6wuz2e
why does getting something wet (like fabric) make it easier to squish into a smaller size?
It also happens with a lot of other dry things, like bread. Getting things wet often makes it easier to squish them down into a smaller size. This seems counter-intuitive to me as the presence of water indicates the presence of more *stuff*, and therefore the need for more space. Thanks.
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6wuz2e/eli5_why_does_getting_something_wet_like_fabric/
{ "a_id": [ "dmaykq7", "dmbea4t" ], "score": [ 6, 3 ], "text": [ "Generally speaking, it makes the thing stick to itself.\n\nBread or fabric generally has a pattern to it, with holes that are held in place.\n\nThe water makes it so that the forces pushing the holes open are weaker than the...
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a2ifnd
why doees my navel fill up with lint every day, and why is it always dark blue?
[deleted]
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/a2ifnd/eli5_why_doees_my_navel_fill_up_with_lint_every/
{ "a_id": [ "eaymv0l", "eayx99z", "eaz0gf8" ], "score": [ 10, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "What color shirt do you wear? Or are your pants high waisted and jeans/blue?", "Maybe things you sit on (couch, pillows). Blankets. Pieces of clothing you wear. Or dust particles in the air or stic...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1wffm9
Would humans grow taller if there was less or no gravity?
I understand that a lot of things would be different if there was less or no gravity, but if we overlook those things, would humans generally be taller?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1wffm9/would_humans_grow_taller_if_there_was_less_or_no/
{ "a_id": [ "cf1k76l", "cf1oegw", "cf1pv1k" ], "score": [ 9, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "NO gravity is a tough question to approach.. A question that may be more easily considered, and in fact somewhat studied, is what if there is LESS gravity, rather than no gravity? A study done by Donela...
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[ [], [], [] ]
1opn4b
if a doctor (hypothetically) were to transplant my testicles on to another man's genitals (still functioning) would those testicles continue to produce my sperm or begin to produce his?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/1opn4b/eli5_if_a_doctor_hypothetically_were_to/
{ "a_id": [ "ccuabao", "ccuabr7", "ccucp22", "ccujftq" ], "score": [ 8, 136, 9, 4 ], "text": [ "No, they would never become his. They would always be yours. The cells that make up the testicles still contain your DNA.", "They would hypothetically produce your sperm, b...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [] ]
195lqt
Are modern knights still expected to defend at wartime?
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/195lqt/are_modern_knights_still_expected_to_defend_at/
{ "a_id": [ "c8l0vlr" ], "score": [ 18 ], "text": [ "There are two types of Knighthood in the British honours system - Knights Chivalry and Knights bachelor - the entertainers who're knighted are Knights bachelor and they rank below Knights chivalry. \n\nAs for whether Knights Chivalry are expecte...
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[ [] ]
1q8s5z
When brewing teas/coffees, is the water required to be at a certain temperature or just boiling
at higher altitudes -- > lower pressure, water boils at a lower temperature so my question is, when brewing tea or instant coffee do you need a high temperature or just boiling water to infuse the tea/dissolve the coffee powder?
askscience
http://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1q8s5z/when_brewing_teascoffees_is_the_water_required_to/
{ "a_id": [ "cdag7lv" ], "score": [ 2 ], "text": [ "Things diffuse faster at a higher temperature, if that's what you're asking. The coffee or tea will leach into the water faster at a higher temperature. But since there are other processes involved (compounds that might oxidize for instance), the...
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[ [] ]
axv98h
Is "quantum probability" the same as "real probability"?
If I roll a die, as it's rolling, there's a probability if it being a 6 (1/6). This isn't actually whats happening, because we can theoretically analyze the conditions of the roll to determine the result before it stops rolling. Just when I roll it, im not perfectly examining it, so there's a probability. If I set ...
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/axv98h/is_quantum_probability_the_same_as_real/
{ "a_id": [ "ehwiht4", "ehwy9j2" ], "score": [ 66, 4 ], "text": [ "This is actually exactly the right question in a certain sense. There IS actually a difference between classical and quantum probability.\n\n Classically, events have a probability of happening that is a real number betwe...
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[ [], [] ]
e7s3s8
why do cinemas use projectors on a huge wall instead of a huge screen?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/e7s3s8/eli5_why_do_cinemas_use_projectors_on_a_huge_wall/
{ "a_id": [ "fa40r2j", "fa40xkk", "fa46t3w", "fa48j80", "fa4cobs" ], "score": [ 2, 23, 3, 3, 2 ], "text": [ "It's cheaper to paint a wall white. Screens are expensive.", "To make a huge image, it's much cheaper to get a powerful projector than to build a high-re...
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[]
[ [], [], [], [], [] ]
6f87py
I keep a journal & these are interesting times. What should I put in the journal that would make it a useful "primary source" for future historians?
AskHistorians
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/6f87py/i_keep_a_journal_these_are_interesting_times_what/
{ "a_id": [ "digay4l", "digboyd", "digk6wk" ], "score": [ 29, 2, 3 ], "text": [ "This is a really interesting question. The idea of intentionally engineering a \"useful primary source\" is in itself kind of difficult. First off, make sure that you write in your journal somewhere th...
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[ [], [], [] ]
b79uyd
why is "imposter syndrome" so prevalent now?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/b79uyd/eli5_why_is_imposter_syndrome_so_prevalent_now/
{ "a_id": [ "ejq6olz", "ejq8njr" ], "score": [ 3, 5 ], "text": [ "First of all, almost everything is machine made, so most of what we create will never live up what a machine can make. It's become easier to buy something than to make something so we've lost our drive to create, engineer, ...
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[ [], [] ]
5vjzsi
why are whole fat dairy products considered healthier than low/no fat products?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5vjzsi/eli5_why_are_whole_fat_dairy_products_considered/
{ "a_id": [ "de2n61n", "de2na51" ], "score": [ 3, 2 ], "text": [ "Two reasons. First, eating whole fat dairy is more filling and satisfying than eating no-fat versions, generally leading to fewer overall calories consumed for the rest of the day.\n\nSecond, no-fat dairy is, by consequence,...
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[ [], [] ]
2urd24
Were WW2 tanks as maneuverable as shown in Girls Und Panzer?
I just finished the [anime](_URL_0_) series [Girls Und Panzer](_URL_1_). Barring the absurd premise, the show seems to have paid a lot of attention to detail in its tank designs and tactics. But the speed and maneuverability of the tanks seems implausible and likely due to artistic license. Some examples: * Tanks dri...
AskHistorians
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/2urd24/were_ww2_tanks_as_maneuverable_as_shown_in_girls/
{ "a_id": [ "cob1vbr" ], "score": [ 19 ], "text": [ "I watched (and enjoyed!) *Girls und Panzer*, and honestly, a lot of the tank antics struck me as not impossible.\n\nFor example, [modern tanks *can* do a passable drift](_URL_2_), or at least a sustained skid, on concrete. Give it snow and ice,...
[]
[ "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_und_Panzer", "http://www.hulu.com/girls-und-panzer" ]
[ [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlKyLzr01U4", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiIQ2zTwguc", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzCEJ4SmaXs", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5aWAW2hea4", "https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=y78Apd5mDlk#t=1076", "https://www.youtu...
3nahjs
techies of reddit, what is actually happening when my phone/laptop freezes but music continues playing in the background?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3nahjs/eli5_techies_of_reddit_what_is_actually_happening/
{ "a_id": [ "cvmb2wr", "cvmbjll" ], "score": [ 4, 2 ], "text": [ "The processes for the visual, be it the interface, or video, is glitching crashed, or many other things, while the process for audio is still going.", "I'm guessing your display drivers (software that makes your display ...
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[ [], [] ]
4e21vo
Why doesn't dark matter collapse together to form black holes?
If they aren't really interacting what force is stopping their collapse?
askscience
https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/4e21vo/why_doesnt_dark_matter_collapse_together_to_form/
{ "a_id": [ "d1webvx", "d1wefcb" ], "score": [ 4, 23 ], "text": [ "Dark matter has nothing slowing it down. Even if you stuck it right next to a black hole, it would just orbit. Baryonic matter will collide with other baryonic matter going in a different direction and slow down, so it coll...
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[ [], [] ]
5xc9rr
how would the gravity and environment of mars affect the people that colonized it?
explainlikeimfive
https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/5xc9rr/eli5_how_would_the_gravity_and_environment_of/
{ "a_id": [ "degxbux", "degzcmo" ], "score": [ 3, 3 ], "text": [ "There is almost no atmosphere on Mars (1% of Earth's Sea Level pressure). This means Humans who colonize Mars will either be indoors or in a pressure suit all the time. That's a key feature in the design of their air-tight...
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[ [], [] ]
3ap8w9
why if i multiply any random number with 9 the sum of that number is always 9?
Examples: 1x9=9 2x9=18=1+8=9 5x9=45=4+5=9 25x9=225=2+2+5=9 456123789x9=4105114101=4+1+0+5+1+1+4+1+0+1=27=2+7=9 Please explain why the number 9 does this. And for example the number 7 doesn't?
explainlikeimfive
http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/3ap8w9/eli5_why_if_i_multiply_any_random_number_with_9/
{ "a_id": [ "csenzcz", "cseof3p", "csepvog", "csesixs", "csf15pb", "csf6c60" ], "score": [ 66, 77, 2, 4, 2, 2 ], "text": [ "Suppose your number is\n > N = a + 10b + 100c + 1000d\n\nI can change 10 to 9+1, 100 to 99+1 and 1000 to 999+1, giving\n > N = a + (...
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[ [], [], [], [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_arithmetic" ], [], [] ]