Math

Abstract We propose a binary operator, the countdown or “short of” operator (⊃), which reverses operand order relative to standard subtraction. While mathematically equivalent, this operator aligns with natural cognitive patterns used in goal-tracking and deficit calculation, reducing mental overhead in repeated real-world comparisons. Part 1 Link Formal Definition Let a

TL;DR People think in the order current → goal, but math forces subtraction in reverse. The countdown operator keeps the math the same and fixes the notation. The Core Idea When tracking progress toward a goal, people naturally think: “Here’s where we are - how far short of the