Computing one’s Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number
Computing one’s Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number
Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath (EBS) numbers have emerged as a fascinating measure of a person’s association with three distinct realms: mathematics, film, and music. This metric quantifies the collaborative distance between an individual and mathematician Paul Erdös, actor Kevin Bacon, and the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath. In this article, we will explore the concept of the Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number and how one can compute their own.
The Erdös Number
The Erdös number is a metric that measures the collaborative distance between an individual and Paul Erdös, a highly prolific Hungarian mathematician known for his extensive network of collaborations. This number is determined by the co-authorship of academic papers. If an individual has co-authored a paper with Erdös, their Erdös number is 1. If they have co-authored a paper with someone who has an Erdös number of 1, their Erdös number becomes 2, and so on. The Erdös number reflects the collaborative proximity to Erdös within the academic community.
The Bacon Number
Similar to the Erdös number, the Bacon number quantifies an individual’s proximity to actor Kevin Bacon within the realm of film. The Bacon number is determined by the number of links, through roles in films, that separate an individual from Kevin Bacon. If an individual has co-starred in a film with Bacon, their Bacon number is 1. If they have appeared in a film alongside someone with a Bacon number of 1, their Bacon number becomes 2, and so forth. The Bacon number captures the degree of separation from Kevin Bacon within the film industry.
The Sabbath Number
The Sabbath number introduces a unique twist to the Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath metric by establishing a connection between an individual and the influential heavy metal band Black Sabbath. This number represents the distance between the individual and Black Sabbath based on musical collaborations. If an individual has played or performed with someone who has played for Black Sabbath, their Sabbath number is 1. The Sabbath number captures the association between an individual and the musical legacy of Black Sabbath.
Computing the Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath Number
To have a defined Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number, an individual must meet specific criteria. First, they must have co-authored an academic paper, establishing an Erdös number. Second, they must have appeared in a film, establishing a Bacon number. Additionally, their co-authors in the academic realm must have a known chain of collaborations leading to Paul Erdös, and the film they appeared in must have actors who can be linked to Kevin Bacon. By satisfying these criteria, an individual can calculate their Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number, which is the sum of their Erdös, Bacon, and Sabbath numbers.
Significance of the Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath Number
The Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number reflects the interconnectedness and small world phenomenon observed in academia, entertainment, and music. A lower Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number indicates a closer association with Erdös, Bacon, and Sabbath, highlighting the individual’s proximity to these influential figures within their respective fields. Notably, several notable individuals from diverse backgrounds, including mathematicians, scientists, actors, and musicians, have Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath numbers, showcasing the cross-disciplinary nature of this metric.
Sources:
- Wikipedia. “Erdös–Bacon number.” Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erd%C5%91s%E2%80%93Bacon_number
- Times Higher Education. “What’s your Erdos-Bacon-Sabbath number?” Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/whats-your-erdos-bacon-sabbath-number
- The Cosmic Chemist. “My Erdos-Bacon-Sabbath number.” Available at: https://cosmicchemist.com/2019/11/08/my-erdos-bacon-sabbath-number/
FAQs
What is an Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath (EBS) number?
An Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number is a metric that measures a person’s association with mathematician Paul Erdös, actor Kevin Bacon, and the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. It is the summation of the individual’s Erdös number, Bacon number, and Sabbath number.
How is the Erdös number calculated?
The Erdös number measures the collaborative distance between an individual and Paul Erdös in terms of co-authoring academic papers. If an individual has co-authored a paper with Erdös, their Erdös number is 1. If they have co-authored a paper with someone who has an Erdös number of 1, their Erdös number becomes 2, and so on.
What does the Bacon number represent?
The Bacon number represents the number of links, through roles in films, by which an individual is separated from actor Kevin Bacon. If an individual has co-starred in a film with Bacon, their Bacon number is 1. If they have appeared in a film alongside someone with a Bacon number of 1, their Bacon number becomes 2, and so forth.
How is the Sabbath number determined?
The Sabbath number describes the distance between an individual and the band Black Sabbath based on musical collaborations. If an individual has played or performed with someone who has played for Black Sabbath, their Sabbath number is 1.
Can someone have an Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number without co-authoring an academic paper or appearing in a film?
No, to have a defined Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number, an individual must have both co-authored an academic paper, establishing their Erdös number, and appeared in a film, establishing their Bacon number. Additionally, their co-authors must have a known chain leading to Paul Erdös, and the film must have actors eventually leading to Kevin Bacon.
What does a lower Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number indicate?
A lower Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number reflects a closer association with Erdös, Bacon, and Sabbath. It signifies a smaller collaborative or professional distance from these influential figures, highlighting the individual’s proximity to them within their respective fields.
Are there notable individuals with Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath numbers?
Yes, several notable individuals from diverse backgrounds, including mathematicians, scientists, actors, and musicians, have Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath numbers. This metric demonstrates the cross-disciplinary nature of collaborations and the interconnectedness of academia, entertainment, and music.
Can Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath numbers change over time?
Yes, Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath numbers can change as new collaborations, academic papers, and films are published. The addition of new co-authors or film appearances may alter an individual’s Erdös or Bacon number, consequently affecting their Erdös-Bacon-Sabbath number.