The Blue-Seven Phenomenon

Have you ever wondered why people tend to choose certain numbers when asked to pick a random number between 1 and 100? It turns out that humans are not very good at selecting things randomly. In fact, psychologists have even named a pattern that emerges when people are asked to pick a color and a number: the blue-seven phenomenon. Across different cultures, people consistently choose the color blue and the number 7 the most.

So, when it comes to picking a random number between 1 and 100, there is a similar phenomenon at play. While the most common answer is usually 7, that may be because people expect to be asked for numbers between 1 and 10. However, when people are asked to pick a two-digit number, the most common choice is surprisingly 37.

The Number 37 Investigation

To explore this phenomenon further, a producer named Emily and a researcher named Derek conducted a massive investigation into the number 37. They spoke to hundreds of people and found that, indeed, 37 was the most common two-digit number chosen when asked to pick a random number between 1 and 100.

Intrigued by these findings, Derek and Emily decided to delve deeper into the significance of the number 37. They discovered that it has a long history of appearing in various contexts and cultures. From being a popular choice in magic tricks to being the random number of choice for computer programmers, 37 seems to hold a special place in our collective consciousness.

The Mathematical Case for 37

But why do people gravitate towards the number 37? One argument is that humans perceive odd numbers, especially primes, as more random than even numbers. Primes, which have no factors other than 1 and themselves, feel more random because they are less common in our everyday lives. We encounter multiples of 10 and other composite numbers more frequently. Additionally, primes are notoriously difficult to predict or generate using a formula.

When examining the distribution of prime factors in numbers, Derek and Emily discovered something fascinating. If you track the second smallest prime factor of each number, you eventually reach a balancing point where the median second prime factor of all numbers is 37. This means that half of all numbers have a second prime factor of 37 or less.

The 37% Rule

Not only is 37 significant in terms of human perception and mathematical patterns, but it also plays a role in decision-making. Derek explains the optimal strategy for making decisions in scenarios where you can’t assess all options at once. The strategy involves exploring and rejecting approximately 37% of the options before selecting the first option that is better than any you’ve seen so far. This strategy maximizes your chances of selecting the best option.

This approach, known as the 37% rule or the secretary problem, applies to various real-life situations, such as choosing a life partner, hiring employees, or deciding whether to accept a job offer. By spending the first 37% of your time or options exploring and gathering information, you increase your chances of making the best decision.

The Ubiquity of 37

It’s not just in decision-making that the number 37 appears. It seems to pop up everywhere, from product labels to car license plates to significant moments in people’s lives. For example, Derek himself has collected a vast array of objects and instances featuring the number 37 over the course of his life.

All of these instances and observations suggest that there is something universally special about the number 37. It captures our fascination and seems to hold a unique place in our collective consciousness.

The Mystery Continues

Despite all the evidence and observations surrounding the number 37, the question of why it holds such significance remains unanswered. It may be a combination of mathematical patterns, human perception, and cultural influences that make 37 so intriguing and ubiquitous.

So, the next time someone asks you to pick a random number between 1 and 100, will you choose 37? Whether you do or not, remember that there is more to numbers than meets the eye.