12356/Fractured Fractions

Fractured Fractions
Date of Scene:	20 October 2020
Location:	Rec Room - Xavier's School
Synopsis:	The kids gather around to talk about math and dances.
Cast of Characters:	Faraday, SpyderByte, Nightingale, Pixie

Faraday has posed:
With her last class having let out, Indira is in the rec room to catch a bit of a working snack break before her next round of classes. She's sitting at one of the tables with a bag of popcorn and is working on the last of some homework that she slacked on the night before. Her pencil is tapping restlessly against her notebook in time to the bouncing of her foot. She's one of those restless sitters that tends to drive people nuts in class.

"Ugh, I don't care about fractions." She mutters as she furiously erases a calculation that isn't matching up. "Don't we have calculators for a reason?"

SpyderByte has posed:
Flopping down next to Indi is Jeremy. He glances over at her homework, then plucks her pencil out of her hands. He scribbles down the correct answer for her after smudging her old one with the eraser. He gives her a big smile, then slips his phone out of his pocket.

<< We can use calculators, right? I always do. I don't think a lot of math can be done properly using the long way anymore. >>

He takes his own book out of his bag, followed by a notebook and he flips it to a blank page.

<>

Nightingale has posed:
     Math was not generally known to be one of Shannon's strong suits. In point of fact, it's one class she had to study doubly hard for, much to her (sometimes) rather vocal frustration. But the mention of fractions gets her attention, the winged teen cradling a rather large bowl of buttered popcorn in one arm.

     "Well, what part of fractions is giving you trouble?" she asks. "They're something you deal with in music on a regular basis."

     Plopping down next to Jeremy on the other side, she sets down her bowl in front of the trio, where all three can reach and partake of the snack, craning her neck a bit to peer over at Indi's notebook.

Faraday has posed:
"Hey guys." Indira greets as Jeremy and Shannon arrive, the latter getting a quick grin as she points the end of her pencil at her own bag of popcorn. "It's a day for popcorn." Though in Indi's case it's plain salted, though there's a faint whiff of citrus. Lime?

"Ugh, thanks, Jer. I'm just garbage at math. I don't have the attention span for it and it's not something I can really see in my head. I think my parents made peace with me not becoming a rich engineer someday."

"You said you deal with fractions in music? How's that? Maybe something like that can help me visualize it. Not that I know crapall about the technical aspects of music either, I just like sound."

SpyderByte has posed:
<>

Obviously Jeremy is not the athletic or physical type to go about utilizing hand and eye coordination unless it involved his keyboards.

<>

He pauses for a moment.

<< Now I do. That's interesting. >>

Nightingale has posed:
     "Okay, you realize I'm about to chatter your ears off about the technical parts of music, right? Fair warning." Shannon giggles, though she blushes at her mild faux pas with the popcorn. "Eh... sorry about that, I forgot butter wasn't an option. But that popcorn smells good. What is that, lime? Anyways...!"

     She plucks a handful of popcorn from the bowl, but this time, does not eat it. "Okay, have you ever seen written sheet music? You've got the clef symbol, sometimes some other markings that look like little hashtags or lowercase B's, and then a fraction. That fraction is what we're going to worry about. It tells you first off, how many beats to a phrase, or measure, and what note gets the beat. 4/4 is the most common. Four beats to a measure, and a quarter note gets the beat." She grins, laying out four pieces of popcorn spaced out on the ground in front of them.

     "See, there's your measure, the four beats, and the quarter notes. From there they're generally divided in half, and half again, and so on. So from quarter notes, you get eighth, then sixteenth, then thirty-second, and so on. Where it helps to know fractions is combining those all so you play the melody properly, because each note is shorter or longer in duration than the next."

     As she's talking about the different notes, underneath each of the first four pieces of popcorn, she's laying out two more, and then underneath each of those, two more again. "See how that divides it all up? That's how you deal with fractions in music."

Faraday has posed:
"Oh good, food visuals. I like those." Indira says as the popcorn begins getting laid out. At least it's a food that makes sound.

She does legitimately listen and watch, trying to grasp the nuances of sheet music by way of kernels. "Eh, I guess I loosely get it. Sort of time keeping, in a way? It'll probably take a few more tries but I might get a handle on that." She pinches the bridge of her nose with one hand while shoving some of her popcorn in the side of her cheek at the same time, talking around it, "Ugh. Ask me to analyze someone's mental state I met ten minutes or or point out the seventeen shades of green in the curtain and I can. Ask me to do simple addition and I'll stare at you like you're speaking a foreign language. I guess my brain's just more organic leaning than technical."

SpyderByte has posed:
<< Math is easy because it always follows a system. Left to right. No matter what number you stick in there, it's always the same path to a solution. That's what you have to remember. A lot of people get scared by the higher the number, or if they change a letter. A Plus B is the same as C Plus D. It's just a mind game to force your brain to learn higher critical thinking. >>

Jeremy reaches for some popcorn and tosses it in his mouth, bobbing his head to Shannon's explanation. He just researched it and downloaded it. But she explained it way better than what he could have.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Well, if you like food visuals, you could also picture fractions as a pie, with each fraction being a slice of that pie." Shannon bobs her head, going for another handful of popcorn and munching on it. She leaves the kernels on the ground for the moment, for Indi to study and get the idea behind the improvised note/fraction chart.

     "Yeah, that's another way of putting it. It's pretty much timekeeping. And all those notes have to add up to fit within the guidelines outlined by the time signature. So within one measure in a 4/4 meter, you could only have eight eighth notes, sixteen sixteenth notes, and so on. And any oddball combination you come up with still has to add up to that and fit within that limit."

     Nodding towards Jeremy, she grins, flicking a kernel of popcorn up in the air, and catching it in her mouth. "The solution all has to come out the same either way. Jer's right on that."

Faraday has posed:
"Pfffft, straight lines. Linear things are no fun. No variety." Indira says with a quiet laugh. "If you're only looking straight ahead at point B, think of all the things that you're missing around you."

She washes down her popcorn and then gets up from her seat. "Sorry, I need to hit the bathroom. Watch my stuff? If you gotta run, no biggie, no one will mess with it. Back in a bit!"

SpyderByte has posed:
<< That's not how math works though. Math isn't a field trip to the park. It's a linear path to a solution. Though I suppose if you want to get nit picky, it's the backbone and DNA of great adventures. >>

Jermey rubs his hands together thoughtfully.

<<Behind every great experiment that has caused explosions is due to math. Or a complication in math. >>

Nightingale has posed:
"Now, ask me about quadratic equations, and forget it, I'm lost." Shannon laughs, grinning a bit sheepishly and ruffling her wings. "The only thing that would be exploding at that point is my brain." A few kernels of popcorn are flicked in Jeremy's general direction, with much giggling on the winged teen's part. "And that would definitely be due to a complication in math!"

SpyderByte has posed:
<< Quadriatic equations are fun! >>

Jeremy takes some more popcorn and puts it in a napkin upon his lap so that he can eat at his own pace from it. He picks up the kernels that was flicked at him and puts it in the gathered grouping. He leans over to bump Indi on the shoulder as well.

<< Math just takes patience. Let us know if you need help with it. It gets harder as you go up in class though, so don't get behind or struggle. It's hard to get back on pace if you get too far back. >>

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon just giggles, leaning over to gently shoulder-bump Jeremy. "Then we've got very different ideas of fun," she remarks. "How can quadratic equations be fun?" While the bowl is in front of them both, she nonetheless attempts to pilfer some popcorn from the napkin in Jeremy's keeping. "Geometry's not so bad, though. It actually makes sense to me. Quadratic equations might as well be an impossible foreign language to me."

SpyderByte has posed:
<< It's fun because it's a complicated way of solving an equation. >>

Jeremy scribbles the equation down in his notebook and smiles at it.

<< I like that depending if it's a plus or a minus after the negative B, you can have two different answers. It changes the entire course of the problem itself. When it's a positive, you have two real solutions. If it's a negative it's a complexed solution. If it comes out to zero, it's only one solution. >>

He starts to work out a few problems by throwing in random numbers. He likes to do things the 'long' way as he breaks it down.

<< Ta da! >>

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon just goes cross-eyed in comical fashion as she watches Jeremy working through the quadratic equations. "I've got a better chance of understanding Greek or Russian than I do that." Still, she does try to pay attention and make some sense of the mess of numbers on the page. "Give me something with a real-world application and okay, I might stand a chance. But how can one actually apply this kind of thing to something that's actually real?"

Faraday has posed:
Indira isn't gone long, and she's soon coming back through the door and moving to retake her seat and reclaim the last few handfuls of her popcorn.

"Alright, sorry about that, but better than mid-class. That's embarrassing. So are you two still math-nerding? Oh!" She blurts out then as she points a finger over towards Shannon. "Scuttlebutt is that you're one of the ones working on the dance? Need any help with that? Not that I've ever planned one, but ya know. I know how to use a marker and scissors."

SpyderByte has posed:
<< You use this equation to calculate areas of a room, or even figuring out what a profit is on point of sales. Quadriatic equations are used in every day live. >>

Jeremy chuckles as he shrugs his shoulders.

<<You probably use it quite a bit without even knowing it. It just looks different on paper, but when it comes to critical thinking it's almost always applied everywhere instinctively. >>

Nightingale has posed:
"Okay, so let's put it to a real-world problem, such as calculating the area of this room, as odd-shaped as it is." Shannon chuckles softly, sitting back a bit. It was unlikely she had stumped Jeremy, but it was impossible to resist trying all the same.

Glancing over at Indi, she nods once, smiling. "Yeah, one of them. Tabitha's the other. I need to get together with her, Miss Carr, Miss Blaire, and possibly Megan if possible, so we can have a solid list of what's needed for the dance to bring to Mr. Summers and Miss Grey. Once that happens though, it'll probably be all hands on deck, so the help would be awesome."

Faraday has posed:
"Sounds cool, just yell if you need me." Indira remarks as she turns back to her homework to try and figure out the last couple of problems.

"Math's so weird to me. It's like language that it says something and biology in that stuff is built off of it, but it's not really either. I guess I get why it's important, I just don't know why I need to know some of this. If I was a lightning calculator who could figure out an angle to survive a ridiculous jump or ping a bullet around a corner or something that'd be one thing, but otherwise I figure a normal calculator works just fine."

SpyderByte has posed:
Glancing around the room, Jeremy gives a shrug of his shoulders. <>

The talk of a dance causes his brows to lift upwards some. <>

Nightingale has posed:
"To be honest... neither have I. Been to a dance, that is." Shannon chuckles a little bit, ruffling her wings and munching on some popcorn. "I was homeschooled from pretty early on, and I avoided dances like the plague last year. So for all the adventures I've been on since coming here, going to a homecoming dance has not been one of them." Though she smiles, there is a hint of an ache in her expression, a wavering of the light in her eyes. But she says nothing of it. "It'll be a new experience, for sure."

Faraday has posed:
"Really? I was at, uh, two? Freshman and Sophomore years." Indira says thoughtfully. "I don't really count middle and elementary school, those aren't really 'dance' dances. Just socials. I never really went with anyone, I was a bit of a loner, but I just went to have fun dancing anyway. It was one of the few activities I convinced my parents to let me do since they figured school dances were chill and I wouldn't stress my body out. Hah. I abused the music requests like there was no tomorrow. It'll be nice having one with actual friends to hang out at."

SpyderByte has posed:
<< Going to the school dances would have been suicide for me back home. It was safer for me to stay home and not attempt to intergrate into a violent society. >>

Jeremy continues to work on his homework as he scribbles along his notebook, flipping a page over in his text book.

<<But we can have fun at this one, right? All of our friends will be there. It will be like a normal dance, but with super powers. >>

Faraday has posed:
"Understandable. I figure our experiences with school social life were gonna be pretty different." Indira says as she closes up her book and slides the mess into her backpack before looking to the clock. "We're among friends here though. I'm sure the parties around here are a lot wilder with everyone's abilities. But I guess that's also why they really don't have sports teams here. Unfair advantage, and kind of hard to stay as a secret school if you're bussing to games every week. It bums be out a bit, I always wanted to be on an actual sports team. Oh well."

SpyderByte has posed:
<>

Jeremy is a nerd all the way through. Once he finishes the last set of problems in his notebook, he closes it and sticks it in his backpack. Straightening up, he gives her a grin once Shannon heads off to take care of an errand.

<>

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn had been busy lately, between picking up extra shifts at her waitressing job in New York, rising tensions with mutants thanks to metaforce..And, oh yes, new classes and struggling with a major.

But it's nice to relax occasionally, and when's the last time she was seen chillaxing in the rec room or kitchen? She steps in after a long afternoon class, looking a bit ruffled and lacking sleep, dressed in casual jeans and a slightly rumpled white blouse, looking like she really needs some sleep.

"Phew...What an exhausting test..I hate math.." She yawns as she steps into the recroom, peering around. "darrn, looks like I just missed Shannon too.." she pouts, knowing her fellow wingling likes to hang out here between classes too.

Faraday has posed:
"Hey now, if a pretty girl wants to ask me out too I'll consider it." Indira says nonchalantly around a mouthful of popcorn. "I'm game for a cool date either way. A good time is a good time. I'm just looking forward to actually getting to cut loose. I make no apologies for starting a mosh pit, just to warn you." Which is bound to be a shocking good time if she's divebombing you. "If you need dance lessons, let me know. I can help ya out."

As Megan arrives, the girl raises her hand for a finger-wiggling wave. "Yah, she just had to step out, but I think she'll swing back before the next round of classes. I was just complaining about fractions, so you're in the right place. How's it going otherwise?"

SpyderByte has posed:
Nearly choking on the popcorn he just put in his mouth, Jeremy gives a loud cough, pounding himself on the chest as he stares at Indi wide eyed. He flails a hand out, snagging an energy drink he brought along with him to take a quick sip, then finds himself blushing.

<< Everyone hates math but me. >>

His phone chirps out once he gains his composure. << Hi Megan. >>

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn smiles and nods to Indira, remembering how well she fought in one of the metaforce attacks. "Heey, Indira! How's it going?" she yawns again and stretches. "Phew, guess I should have studied harder for that math exam..Ugh, math is soo hard!"

Megan makes a face as she moves to flop down tiredly on the sofa, "I mean, who needs math anyway when you have calculators?" she shrugs in response to Shannon's leaving. "Ah well, was hoping to brainstorm about the homecoming dance, hopefully I'll catch her later." she nods to Indira when she confirms this.

"Soo, how are you two doing?" she blinks as Jeremy starts choking on popcorn though, "Heey, you okay?" she only relaxes when he swallows it down with the drink, smiling faintly, noticing the blush and glances between them both with a slightly raised brow and a faintly amused smile.

"Ooh, did I miss something or what?"

Faraday has posed:
"Nope." Indira says as cool as a cucumber as she reaches over to give Jeremy's back a mildly tingly thump. No choking.

"We'd just been chatting a bit about Homecoming. I'd told Shannon to let me know if any extra help was needed. Not that I'm a dance expert, but I went to a few. So sounds like there's no shortage of help which is cool, should make it a good night, even if I guess we still have to keep things a little chill. Not that we have close neighbors to snoop on us, but I guess crazy multicolored bonfires in the back yard are out."

SpyderByte has posed:
After finally getting his hacking under control, Jeremy looks embarrassed for a moment. His shoulders lift upwards.

<< You and Indi sound the same. You both hate math and want to use calculators. >>

Zipping up his bookbag, he hugs it against his chest once he pulls it up into his lap so that he can lean against it.

<>

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn oohs. "Cool! Looks like you follks have lots of helpful hands then..Hey, I'd be happy to help with decorating too!" she replies cheerfully, peering rather hungrily at the popcorn on the table. "Mmmm, may I..?" darnit, she's always hungry, isnt she?

"Hmm, well it's too bad that we cant do a big explosive thing..Or invite guests outside of the school.." which probably means she wont have a date. "But I'm sure we'll still have fun! And I'd be happy to help with decorations..I suppose we should have a proper meeting of minds about this soon. I wonder who else is helping out? I think I heard Tabitha was too? Don't think I met her yet.." Or if she did, it was very briefly.

To Jeremy she just smirks, "Heh, I guess you're probably a genius at math, aren't you?" she shrugs, "I guess I just dont see the point when we have calculators, you know? Besides I like more fun subjects like acting, singing and dancing. Hey, I'm all about flashy, in-your-face stuff.." Megan sighs, "Just wish I knew what to do with my life though, can't exactly wait tables for the rest of my life.."

Faraday has posed:
Indira Bhandari gestures a hand towards the bowl of popcorn, "Go for it, I don't think Shannon minds sharing it. She'd mentioned about talking with Tabitha and some of the teachers to get a plan together, then after they'll see who all they need for help. So in the meantime I'm just going to spend a lot of time amusing myself by looking for things to wear. And teaching Jeremy here to dance off the game board." She sends the technogoth a wide, wide grin.

"Ugh, life goals. Don't remind me. It's nice not having my parents hounding me about it every week. I have no idea what I'll do after all of this. I was thinking first maybe just... seeing the world. Hostel hop, explore, see what's out there. Then I'll figure where I want to crash land at and set up a life."

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn ooohs, "Dont mind if I do!" and of course Shannon prepared it. And it tastes sooo good too! "Mmm!" she munches away hungrily on it. "Ugh, that totally hits the spot..All that studying and brainbusting..I totally deserve a treat!" she beams.

She raises a curious brow at the talk of a dance lesson, glancing towards Jeremy with a smile, knowing he's a bit shy, "Hey, that doesn't sound so bad, do you two have dates for the party yet? A dance lesson might be fun! Get you to relax a bit.."

As for life goals, Megan just shrugs and sighs, "Yeaah, it's a pain trying to figure out life, isn't it."

Faraday has posed:
"Not me, I just learned that the dance was happening. Not like I need a date, I'm showing up anyway!" Indira says with a laugh as she hoists up her bookbag as she gets up out of her chair. "Good luck keeping me out. I'm not missing a party where I can actually be myself for anything. Maybe we can all head out on the weekend and look for stuff to wear. Ooooooo, you think this'll be a costume one?! ...Halloween is in two weeks. Hm. Now I have ideas. I gotta run to my next class, I didn't procrastinate on my homework just to turn it in late. I'll catch you guys later!"

12356/Fractured Fractions

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