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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.
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.
The Mysterious Math of Perfection
...famous mathematician drawn into the mystery of perfect numbers, discovered the first odd spoof perfect number, and he challenged mathematicians to find others. In taking up the challenge, mathematicians have...
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
It was a big year. Researchers found a way to idealize deep neural networks using kernel machines—an important step toward opening these black boxes. There were major developments toward an answer about the nature of infinity. And a mathematician finally managed to model quantum gravity.