Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

This real life example I am sure will help:

My teacher wanted to buy a car and he needed help on choosing; he wanted a "good" deal, and applied PCA to all models of car for sales:

His real question was:

* what are the most important variables that makes up car's PRICE? or, said in another way

* if I have to compare two cars that have the same price: with which car I get the best out of my money?

The answer was pretty surprising:

the most important variable is WEIGHT

:)

So, while you choose a car, always check for its weight! do two car have the same price? take the heavier one :) (this results relates to the 90s, are they still valid now? not sure: we need PCA)

I've been using this result since then, applying it in different context (which is, of course, not correct): when I am in doubt on which product to choose I always choose the heavier one. I would not use this 'method' to buy a speed bicycle, ...or to choose the best girl ;)

Then, you even have somebody stating that we are using this method even without this explanation https://www.securityinfowatch.com/integrators/article/122343...




Haha nice one.




Consider applying for YC's W25 batch! Applications are open till Nov 12.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: