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prime numbers

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Art for "The Universal Pattern Popping Up in Math, Physics and Biology"
In Theory

The Universal Pattern Popping Up in Math, Physics and Biology

By Thomas Lin
August 23, 2018
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Quanta’s In Theory video series returns with an exploration of a mysterious mathematical pattern found throughout nature.

Crystal diffraction art for "A Chemist Shines Light on a Surprising Prime Number Pattern"
prime numbers

A Chemist Shines Light on a Surprising Prime Number Pattern

By Natalie Wolchover
May 14, 2018
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When a crystallographer treated prime numbers as a system of particles, the resulting diffraction pattern created a new view of existing conjectures in number theory.

Photo of Ziegler's chalkboard
Abstractions blog

The Infinite Primes and Museum Guard Proofs, Explained

By Erica Klarreich
March 26, 2018
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A simple, step-by-step breakdown of two “perfect” math proofs.

520px photo of Robert Langlands
Abstractions blog

Robert Langlands, Mathematical Visionary, Wins the Abel Prize

By Kevin Hartnett
March 20, 2018
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Generations of researchers have pursued his “Langlands program,” which seeks to create a grand unified theory of mathematics.

Snake
Insights puzzle

Solution: ‘The Prime Rib Problem’

By Pradeep Mutalik
September 8, 2017
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Pradeep Mutalik and Quanta readers explore an open question about prime numbers: What is the lowest valued, longest consecutive sequence of integers that are divisible by a set of prime numbers?

snake
Insights puzzle

The Prime Rib Problem

By Pradeep Mutalik
August 14, 2017
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Prime numbers are endlessly fascinating to number theorists and math enthusiasts. This month’s puzzle explores primes by cooking up a whimsical dish of grilled snake ribs.

Kaisa Matomäki
Q&A

Kaisa Matomäki Dreams of Primes

By Kevin Hartnett
July 20, 2017
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Kaisa Matomäki has proved that properties of prime numbers over long intervals hold over short intervals as well. The techniques she uses have transformed the study of these elusive numbers.

Yitang Zhang
Thinking Places

Yitang Zhang’s Santa Barbara Beach Walk

By Thomas Lin +2 authors
Olena Shmahalo
Lucy Reading-Ikkanda
June 15, 2017
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An obscure number theorist who became an overnight sensation with a major proof about the gaps between prime numbers now finds quiet inspiration walking along the Pacific Coast.

Abstractions blog

Physicists Attack Math’s $1,000,000 Question

By Natalie Wolchover
April 4, 2017
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Physicists are attempting to map the distribution of the prime numbers to the energy levels of a particular quantum system.


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