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Computer Search Settles 90-Year-Old Math Problem
By translating Keller’s conjecture into a computer-friendly search for a type of graph, researchers have finally resolved a problem about covering spaces with tiles. A team of mathematicians has finally...
When Math Gets Impossibly Hard
...and use mathematical reasoning and logic to conclude that some outcome is impossible. No amount of luck, persistence, time or skill will make the task possible. The history of mathematics...
The Extraordinary Math Hidden in Everyday Life
L. Mahadevan describes how he approaches science and where he finds his ideas. Ken Richardson for Quanta Magazine...
2020’s Biggest Breakthroughs in Math and Computer Science
For mathematicians and computer scientists, 2020 was full of discipline-spanning discoveries and celebrations of creativity. Emily Buder/Quanta Magazine; Rui Braz and Christiaan Endeman for Quanta Magazine...
The Mysterious Math of Perfection
...about an odd one? And how are modern mathematicians trying to resolve this ancient question? Our exploration of mathematical perfection begins with divisors. We know that 6 is a divisor...
New Black Hole Math Closes Cosmic Blind Spot
A mathematical shortcut for analyzing black hole collisions works even in cases where it shouldn’t. As astronomers use it to search for new classes of hidden black holes, others wonder:...
Math Can, in Theory, Help You Escape a Hungry Bear
...which led to some unexpected mathematical sleuthing. Before we discuss the solutions, you may have noticed that we did not mention any specific units for distance, time and velocity. The...
Where Transcendental Numbers Hide in Everyday Math
...the ordinary, something that is hidden and mysterious, with almost magical or mystical powers. In mathematics, on the other hand, the meaning of the term “transcendental” is more mundane. It...
2021’s Biggest Breakthroughs in Math and Computer Science
...answer about the nature of infinity. And a mathematician finally managed to model quantum gravity. Emily Buder/Quanta Magazine; Adrian Vasquez de Velasco for Quanta Magazine; Myriam Wares for Quanta Magazine...