What Is The Initial Digit Problem? | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains...

What is Benford’s Law? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the initial digit problem and whether we can find truly random numbers in human society. Why do most numbers in society start with one? We pick apart the numbers that humans come up with and the patten that emerges. Is pure randomness achievable? We learn yet again that mathematicians have too much time on their hands… Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #neildegrassetyson 00:00 - Can we generate random numbers? 03:44 - Initial Digit Problem 07:58 - Numbers in Society