Mathematics

Enter the world of perfect numbers and explore the mystery mathematicians have spent thousands of years trying to solve.

By harnessing randomness, a new algorithm achieves a fundamentally novel — and faster — way of performing one of the most basic computations in math and computer science.

A former graduate student reflects on how Isadore Singer, who died on February 11, brought together mathematicians, physicists and anyone else interested in the deeper connections between diverse fields.

A new thought experiment indicates that quantum mechanics doesn’t work without strange numbers that turn negative when squared.

In a second season of enlightened conversations, Steven Strogatz and leading researchers nourish our pandemic-starved minds.

To the surprise of experts in the field, a postdoctoral statistician has solved one of the most important problems in high-dimensional convex geometry.

A new proof demonstrates the power of arithmetic dynamics, an emerging discipline that combines insights from number theory and dynamical systems.

Po-Shen Loh has harnessed his competitive impulses and iconoclastic tendencies to reinvigorate the U.S. Math Olympiad program.

Sometimes the act of solving a puzzle can itself reveal hidden insights.