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Mathematics

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The Mathematics of Juggling

May 24, 2017

Juggling has advanced enormously in recent decades, thanks in part to the mathematical study of possible patterns.

A Simple Visual Proof of a Powerful Idea

April 13, 2017

Ramsey’s theorem predicts a surprising (and useful) consistency in the organization of graphs. Here’s a simple visual proof of how it works.

How to Use a Sphere to Talk to Mars

April 12, 2017

To avoid garbled messages, mathematicians might translate them into geometric form.

A New Path to Equal-Angle Lines

April 11, 2017

Equiangular lines are an elemental part of geometry. Mathematicians have discovered a tighter limit on the number of such lines that exist in every dimension.

How to Quantify (and Fight) Gerrymandering

April 4, 2017

Powerful new quantitative tools are now available to combat partisan bias in the drawing of voting districts.

Quantum Questions Inspire New Math

March 30, 2017

In order to fully understand the quantum world, we may have to develop a new realm of mathematics.

A Long-Sought Proof, Found and Almost Lost

March 28, 2017

When a German retiree proved a famous long-standing mathematical conjecture, the response was underwhelming.

Yves Meyer, Wavelet Expert, Wins Abel Prize

March 21, 2017

The French mathematician was cited “for his pivotal role in the development of the mathematical theory of wavelets.”

19 Women Leading Math and Physics

March 8, 2017

Top women in mathematics and physics discuss how they got to where they are — and why there aren’t more of them.