Why 153 is the Best Number

This newsletter serves as a continuation from my previous one dated April 28, 2022. newsletter Two weeks ago, I shared insights on Sheldon’s claim from The Big Bang Theory regarding the number 73 being the superior number.

While it's difficult to dispute that the most remarkable numbers are Euler's number (e) and π, let's focus on integers to make it intriguing. Given those parameters, I propose that 153 deserves the title of the best number. Here’s the reasoning behind my claim.

• The number 153 is classified as a narcissistic number, which means it is equal to the sum of the cubes of its digits: 153 = 1³ + 5³ + 3³. Remarkably, only five other numbers share this unique characteristic: 0, 1, 370, 371, and 407.
• Additionally, 153 is recognized as a triangular number, being the sum of the series 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 17.
• Furthermore, 153 equals the sum of the first five factorials: 153 = 1! + 2! + 3! + 4! + 5!.
• You can employ the following algorithm, which will always yield the number 153:
  1. Multiply any integer by 3.
  2. Start by breaking the number down into its individual digits.
  3. Take the sum of the cube of each digit
  4. Go back to step 2.

Eventually, this process leads you to the number 153, at which point you will remain.

For illustration, let's consider the current year, 2022. If you multiply it by 3, you arrive at 6066. When you calculate the sum of the cubes of its digits, it comes to 6³ + 0³ + 6³ + 6³ = 432.

Next, if you take the sum of cubes for the digits in 432, you get 4³ + 3³ + 2³ = 99.

Continuing this, you find that summing the cubes in 99 results in 9³ + 9³ = 1458.

Then, for 1458, summing the cubes of its digits gives 1³ + 4³ + 5³ + 8³ = 702 (which happens to be the area code for Las Vegas).

Proceeding to 702, the sum of the cubes yields 7³ + 0³ + 2³ = 351.

Repeating the process for 351 gives you 3³ + 5³ + 1³ = 153.

Interestingly, the number 153 also appears in a biblical narrative about how many fish the apostles of Jesus caught during a miraculous event. Yes, this seemingly minor detail is explicitly noted in scripture.

“Jesus asked them, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter climbed into the boat and pulled the net ashore. It was full of large fish, totaling 153, yet even with so many, the net did not break.” -- John 21: 10-11

I've always thought it was fascinating that the disciples took the time to count their catch, and that this detail was preserved in the Gospel of John many years later. It makes one wonder if someone with a fondness for the number 153 had a role in its inclusion, adding a little mathematical humor for enthusiasts like me.

That wraps up your math and biblical insight for today. Until next time, may luck always be in your favor.

Written by: Michael Shackleford