Today marks the first release of our new Euleryx series! As this is day one, we’ll begin with some explanations. What is Euleryx? Who are we? Why are we doing this? And perhaps most importantly, can you get involved (spoiler: yes)! Without further ado, let's begin:
What is Euleryx?
Put simply, Euleryx is intended to be an exciting knowledge-sharing series, focused on highlighting different styles of approach when solving mathematical problems.
To help with this, we will be using problems from a website called Project Euler. Project Euler is a website which contains over 900 challenges, each of which can be solved using some form of mathematical theory.
Every week, we will post our solution to one of the Project Euler problems, using entirely Base A (Alteryx only), which means no Python, R or Run Command tools 😉. As mentioned, these challenges have a mathematical objective. Therefore, we will be trying our best to incorporate some mathematical theory into our solutions where possible.
In our posts, we aim to introduce and explain any mathematical theory used in our solution. During this explanation, it should become clear why we chose to use certain ideas, as well as sometimes comparing the payoff between two different routes. Whilst not every challenge will require theory to arrive at a quick answer, all will require a workflow. So, each post will include a description of the workflow and how we implement any theory, via the Alteryx tooling, where applicable.
Who are we?
Some would say @BS_THE_ANALYST and I could be described as nerds. We both come from mathematical backgrounds, and it's safe to say we get a thrill from problem-solving.
Why are we doing this?
After spending years learning copious amounts of mathematical theory, we eventually graduated from university. Since then, we have fallen victim to the age-old trap of a lack of practice. Whilst our problem-solving skills are used daily, a large proportion of the mathematics we learnt is slowly being forgotten. In fear of continuing down this path, we tried to look for a solution, and in doing so, we stumbled across Project Euler. So over the course of several evenings, we began trying to solve some of these challenges, debating over the best approach.
When the project was mentioned to the team at work, their interest was piqued, too. Some would join us down the theoretical route, whereas others took the classic "brute-force" approach. All the time, we found great enjoyment in the knowledge sharing that went on. We then got to thinking, how could we get more people involved? And that’s when Euleryx was born.
Want to get a head start?
To see any of these problems, just head over to the Project Euler website here:
https://projecteuler.net/archives
Create an account, and then head to the archive section to see the full list of problems!
Index:
Now it's time to get started, click on the link below to navigate to the first challenge:
Problem 1 - Multiples of 3 or 5 | https://community.alteryx.com/t5/General-Discussions/Euleryx-Project-1-Multiples-of-3-or-5/m-p/14055... |
This stuff makes my head hurt which is completely acceptable if I get a badge, 😅😅😅
Hey @FláviaB ! @Pilsner is doing this super nerdy challenge where we use Alteryx to solve ~950 maths problems. Us super nerdy Alteryx users would love badges (and maybe a dedicated space for the challenges to live instead of General?). I don't think this is your area, but would you be able to send this to someone who might be able to help? Obviously we'll live if there are no badges and it stays in General but I at least want to (repeatedly) ask people 😁
Hi @Carolyn! I'm following this super cool, crazy challenge, and I'm amazed by what you all have been doing. 💥
@AlteryxMatt may be able to hop in here to share his thoughts as he oversees the Community engagement activities, including badges. 🙂
Hello All!
We have been very impressed with the level of engagement in these challenges! There is now a "Project Euler" label in the General discussion board, where you can sort to show you all Project Euler(yx) challenges!
While I can't promise any badges, sadly, we will continue to monitor the traction these challenges produce and keep that in mind moving forward!
Hey @AlteryxMatt ! Thank you so much for adding a label. We appreciate it!