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Mathematics

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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.

Abstractions blog

How Physics Found a Geometric Structure for Math to Play With

By Kevin Hartnett
July 29, 2020
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Symplectic geometry is a relatively new field with implications for much of modern mathematics. Here’s what it’s all about.

Visualization of the distribution of prime numbers in the shape of colorful dots in a hexagonal pattern
Abstractions blog

Mathematicians Will Never Stop Proving the Prime Number Theorem

By Susan D'Agostino
July 22, 2020
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Why do mathematicians enjoy proving the same results in different ways?

Gödel’s incompleteness theorems.
Abstractions blog

How Gödel’s Proof Works

By Natalie Wolchover
July 14, 2020
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His incompleteness theorems destroyed the search for a mathematical theory of everything. Nearly a century later, we’re still coming to grips with the consequences.

Quantized Academy

The Math of Social Distancing Is a Lesson in Geometry

By Patrick Honner
July 13, 2020
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How to safely reopen offices, schools and other public spaces while keeping people six feet apart comes down to a question mathematicians have been studying for centuries.

Photo of various kinds and colors of dice
Abstractions blog

How and Why Computers Roll Loaded Dice

By Stephen Ornes
July 8, 2020
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Researchers are one step closer to injecting probability into deterministic machines.


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