There was a student who thought that if a = b, then a² = b². So when given the equation x² = 16, he wrote x = 4 only. When the teacher asked about - 4, he said 'but if x = - 4, then it's not as simple as the rule I learned, a = b so a² = b² should mean only positive answers!'. It was really a misunderstanding of the concept in a rather funny way. Maths can be tricky like that for some learners.
Here's another story. A group of mathematicians were trying to divide a pizza evenly. One said 'Let's use calculus to find the perfect slice sizes'. Another replied 'No way, we'll be here all day. Let's just use fractions like normal people'. And then they ended up arguing about the most efficient way to divide the pizza mathematically for half an hour before finally just cutting it into rough slices and eating it.
Once upon a time, there was a mathematician who was very bad at directions. One day, he was using a map to find a place. The map had a grid system, much like the coordinate system in math. He got so confused between the x - and y - axes that he ended up walking in circles. He kept muttering about how if only life had simple equations to follow like in math, he wouldn't be lost. Eventually, he found a little girl who was really good at math. She quickly pointed out the correct way using the grid numbers on the map. The mathematician was both embarrassed and amused at the situation.
One common theme is mathematicians' absent - mindedness. They are often so focused on maths problems that they do silly things in real life, like the story of boiling the watch instead of an egg.
Once in high school, there was a science fair. One group of students made a volcano project. But when they were about to present, the 'lava' which was supposed to be a slow - flowing red goo, suddenly exploded out all over the place. It was so unexpected that everyone, including the teachers, burst into laughter.
One funny farmer story could be about a farmer who tried to teach his old donkey to dance. He played music all day long in the barn, but the donkey just stood there chewing hay, looking at him as if he was crazy.
Once there was a boy who always told his dog to'speak'. One day the dog said 'Meow'. The boy was so surprised and the dog just shrugged and said 'I'm learning a foreign language'.
The story of Euclid is also a great maths success. He wrote 'Elements', which was a comprehensive compilation of geometrical knowledge. His work established the foundation of geometry as we know it. For over two thousand years, students have been learning from 'Elements', and it has been the basis for many further developments in mathematics and related fields like architecture and engineering.
Once, I saw a cat trying to catch its own tail as if it was a completely different creature. It spun around in circles for minutes, looking so determined yet so silly at the same time.
One funny Oscar Wilde story is about his wit in conversation. Once, at a dinner party, a woman said to him, 'Mr. Wilde, you should write a story about me.' Wilde replied, 'I would, madam, but there is not enough paper in the world.' This shows his quick - thinking and humorous way of dealing with the rather presumptuous request.
Here's one. In a math class, the teacher asked a student to count from 1 to 10. The student, being a bit of a joker, started counting 'One, two, many, four, five...' The whole class burst out laughing. The teacher was both frustrated and amused. He then explained why 'many' was not a number in the context of counting. It was a really light - hearted moment in the usually serious math class.
Once there was a cat that tried to catch its own tail. It spun around in circles for minutes, looking so confused and silly. Eventually, it just lay down and stared at its tail as if to say, 'I give up!' It was really hilarious.