56 (number)


56 is the natural number following 55 and preceding 57.

Mathematics

56 is:
The maximum determinant in an 8 by 8 matrix of zeroes and ones is 56.
Plutarch states that the Pythagoreans associated a polygon of 56 sides with Typhon and that they associated certain polygons of smaller numbers of sides with other figures in Greek mythology. While it is impossible to construct a perfect regular 56-sided polygon using a compass and straightedge, a close approximation has recently been discovered which it is claimed might have been used at Stonehenge, and it is constructible if the use of an angle trisector is allowed since 56 = 23 × 7.

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