Mathematics

Rediet Abebe uses the tools of theoretical computer science to understand pressing social problems — and try to fix them.

Despite finding no specific examples, researchers have proved the existence of a pervasive kind of prime number so delicate that changing any of its infinite digits renders it composite.

Readers used their Zen-like puzzle solving skills to discover hidden insights.

A recent paper set the fastest record for multiplying two matrices. But it also marks the end of the line for a method researchers have relied on for decades to make improvements.

Avi Wigderson and László Lovász won for their work developing complexity theory and graph theory, respectively, and for connecting the two fields.

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.