If you haven't given your times tables a moment's thought since you were in elementary school, then get thinking.
That's because times tables are the hot topic of discussion on Twitter right now – in particular, which simple line of multiplication is the best and why?
The conversation was started by Twitter user @garbagecoven, who gave the subject all the passion and associated filthy language you never knew it deserved.
folks time to pipe up: what was your favorite combo on the multiplication table??? mine was 9 x 9 = 81. it always… https://t.co/QBpNJB97hW— garth “HELLFUCKER” purkett (@garth “HELLFUCKER” purkett)1539534065.0
With the can of worms well and truly opened, many responded with their own favorites.
@garbagecoven @YuckyTom 12x12=144 felt Lovecraftian, like, symmetry and madness, where does the 144 even come from… https://t.co/WpdPiJthzV— Lee Elliott (@Lee Elliott)1539564788.0
@garbagecoven was floored, responding: "are you f***ing joking me, how are you in my BRAIN. it's like an ancient space labyrinth with a layout and meaning known only by a nonhuman race buried deep beneath the Egyptian dessert."
@garbagecoven For sure 7x7 = 49— Lauren Simmons, Forever 47 (@Lauren Simmons, Forever 47)1539568421.0
@garbagecoven agreed: "insanely solid."
@garbagecoven 11x11 = 121 is so aesthetically pleasing plus it gets bonus points for coming just after 10x10 which is the end of the basics— The Artist Formerly Known As NeverScaredB (@The Artist Formerly Known As NeverScaredB)1539579179.0
@garbagecoven concurred: “god damn, you're so right. it's just right outside the gate to meet you once you've mastered the beginner's course."
@garbagecoven 5 x 5 = 25 was super approachable and down to earth but still cool 3 x 3 = 9 reminds me of my grandma bea— Jack Picone (@Jack Picone)1539564148.0
@garbagecoven got the warm fuzzies, replying: "man oh man, 3 x 3 = 9 is so cozy. much love for your grandma."
@garbagecoven 8x8=64 Just remember "I ate and ate till I was sick on the floor"— Andy Ryan (@Andy Ryan)1539534979.0
@garbagecoven retorted: "8 x 8 = 64 feels so powerful that it truly COULD make you vomit."
Some veered away from square numbers.
@garbagecoven 5 X 8 = 40 don’t ask me to explain. i don’t understand any of my feelings— M@thew (@M@thew)1539547424.0
@garbagecove mused: “i've got it: this combination just feels very *peaceful*. it's like mid-century modern furniture."
@garbagecoven 7 x 6 = 42!!! Like who would expect that??— Steve Pelletier (@Steve Pelletier)1539567796.0
@garbagecoven proclaimed: "7 x 6 = 42 is literally a small and memorable magic trick."
@garbagecoven Every dancer's favorite is 56 = 7×8— Kyle 🌱 (@Kyle 🌱)1539537262.0
@garbagecoven was swayed, replying: "this is beautiful."
The nines got a lot of love.
@garbagecoven I love the entire 9s times tables! All the answers add up to nine! Mind blown!— Joseph Johnson (@Joseph Johnson)1539580456.0
@garbagecove gushed: "that 9 row is where the magic is at baby. 9 row is for freaks (like, good freaks) honestly."
Of course, not all multiplications can get equal amounts of love.
@JasimQamil @courtney_115 @niallisasloth @garbagecoven @ellalingard Sorry to pipe up but the real snake of the time… https://t.co/Mm3eAg1A6R— Leena (@Leena)1539614756.0
@garbagecove hissed: "11 x 12 = 132 is inDEED a snake. you settle into 11 x 11 = 121 easily enough, and then 132 is there to rudely smack you down like 'not so fast'."
This person had an equal disgust for 11 x 12.
@garbagecoven 9×8=72 A similar feeling, like, this is getting real. My least favourite? 11×12=131 Not sure why 🤷🏾♀️— Alicia Cox Thomson (@Alicia Cox Thomson)1539604407.0
@garbagecoven lamented: "absolutely. that 3 has no business showing up here."
But not everyone felt such ire towards the 11s.
@garbagecoven @AliciaHCox Don’t discredit the 11s, man. That 3 comes from 1+2 (split up the two digits of 12 and ad… https://t.co/a4wmboPVr2— Mon (@Mon)1539647562.0
@garbagecoven had to give kudos to the thoughtful response: "thank you for your service <3."
Finally this guy taught us all a fundamental truth through simple mathematics.
@garbagecoven 1 x 0 = It taught me the harsh truth that even if I love him whole, if he has no feelings for me, it will end up with a zero.— Henri Glo (@Henri Glo)1539624770.0
@garbagecoven was blown away, responding: "this….. is honestly really beautiful. thank you for contributing this to the conversation."
We've all learned something here today. Good work, everyone.
A version of this article originally appeared on Press Association.