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Mathematics

Latest Articles

A comically long “missing persons” poster for an odd perfect number that shows all the restrictions it has to satisfy.
number theory

Mathematicians Open a New Front on an Ancient Number Problem

By Steve Nadis
September 10, 2020
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For millennia, mathematicians have wondered whether odd perfect numbers exist, establishing an extraordinary list of restrictions for the hypothetical objects in the process. Insight on this question could come from studying the next best things.

Q&A

Conducting the Mathematical Orchestra From the Middle

By Rachel Crowell
September 2, 2020
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Emily Riehl is rewriting the foundations of higher category theory while also working to make mathematics more inclusive.

An illustration of an ant walking in a straight line around a dodecahedron.
Abstractions blog

Mathematicians Report New Discovery About the Dodecahedron

By Erica Klarreich
August 31, 2020
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Three mathematicians have resolved a fundamental question about straight paths on the 12-sided Platonic solid.

Illustration of a robot and a human furiously doing math next to each other
artificial intelligence

How Close Are Computers to Automating Mathematical Reasoning?

By Stephen Ornes
August 27, 2020
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AI tools are shaping next-generation theorem provers, and with them the relationship between math and machine.

Photo of Marijn Heule walking among computer processors
Abstractions blog

Computer Scientists Attempt to Corner the Collatz Conjecture

By Kevin Hartnett
August 26, 2020
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A powerful technique called SAT solving could work on the notorious Collatz conjecture. But it’s a long shot.

An animation of a particle collision
Abstractions blog

The Mathematical Structure of Particle Collisions Comes Into View

By Charlie Wood
August 20, 2020
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Physicists have identified an algebraic structure underlying the messy mathematics of particle collisions. Some hope it will lead to a more elegant theory of the natural world.

Illustration of floating metal cubes joining together, some of their faces yellow
geometry

Computer Search Settles 90-Year-Old Math Problem

By Kevin Hartnett
August 19, 2020
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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.

Photo of emperor penguins huddling together for warmth, with two sticking their heads out
Abstractions blog

Math of the Penguins

By Susan D'Agostino
August 17, 2020
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Emperor penguins display rigorously geometric spacing and mathematical efficiency when they huddle together for warmth, which may reveal secrets to their overall health.

number theory

Landmark Math Proof Clears Hurdle in Top Erdős Conjecture

By Erica Klarreich
August 3, 2020
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Two mathematicians have proved the first leg of Paul Erdős’ all-time favorite problem about number patterns.


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