The Story of 8

Over the years, alert students have noticed that \(8\) seems to appear in my classes more often than chance would allow. Occasionally in such moments I am stirred to reflect on the greatness of \(8\) with my charges. So I continue to be surprised when these students ask, “What's so great about 8?” And I think, “Isn't it clear?” Alas, so many times has this question been asked that it has become apparent the story of \(8\) needs retelling.

A portion of this story appeared in [5], and a printable version to match this full online story can be found here: http://mphitchman.gihub.io/eight/eight.pdf.