ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

P-local spectrum

So let's say you have a bunch of different colors that you can use to paint something. Each color represents a different thing that you might want to look at in your picture. But sometimes you might only want to focus on one specific thing, like the sun. In that case, you can just use the yellow paint and ignore all the other colors.

Well, in a similar way, scientists studying mathematics have a tool called a "p-local spectrum." This is like having a bunch of different colors, where each color represents a different way of looking at a certain mathematical concept. The "p" part refers to a special number that helps you focus on just one aspect of that concept. It's like saying "I only want to look at this idea, but I'm going to look at it with this special filter on that helps me see it more clearly."

Using a p-local spectrum can really help researchers understand complex mathematical concepts in more detail. It's like using a magnifying glass to get a better look at something small. By focusing on just one aspect of the concept, they can really dig into the details and understand it better.