Math

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MathematicsOctober 1, 2024

How Mathematicians Wrestled with the Biggest Controversy in the Field

A surprisingly simple concept shook the foundations of mathematics

Manon Bischoff

A small blue sphere orbits a larger green sphere against a purple background, with "Science Quickly" written underneath.

MathSeptember 27, 2024

Is Math Part of Nature or an Invention of the Mind?

Mathematics communicator and drag queen Kyne Santos guides you through the ongoing debate about what math really is.

Kyne Santos, Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Madison Goldberg, Jeffery DelViscio

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MathSeptember 20, 2024

Finding Math’s Beauty and Power with Drag Queen Kyne Santos

Mathematics communicator and drag queen Kyne will help you discover the beauty and power of math in this miniseries.

Kyne Santos, Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Madison Goldberg, Jeffery DelViscio

MathematicsSeptember 19, 2024

The Strange Story of the Algorithm Meant to Solve Life, the Universe and Everything

Some researchers dream of solving all mysteries with a common method—but a mathematical paradox may keep such solutions out of reach

Manon Bischoff

Digital illustration of a couple standing at the top of a set of stairs as single people stand below, looking up towards them

OpinionSeptember 19, 2024

This Elegant Math Problem Helps You Find the Best Choice for Hiring, House Hunting and Even Love

Math’s “best-choice problem” could help humans become better decision-makers at everything from choosing the best job candidate to finding a romantic partner

Jack Murtagh

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LanguageSeptember 18, 2024

Science Crossword: Cosmic Goals

Play this crossword inspired by the October 2024 issue of Scientific American

Aimee Lucido

Illustration of a hand and multiple numbers against a purple background.

MathematicsSeptember 17, 2024

Math Puzzle: Find the Imposter Number

Can you find the number that doesn't belong?

Hans-Karl Eder

Illustration shows a compass, straightedge and pencil laid over a drawing of a 17-sided regular polygon with pencil marks showing how the shape was constructed using the tools shown.

OpinionSeptember 12, 2024

Why This Great Mathematician Wanted a Heptadecagon on His Tombstone

Mathematician Gauss left behind a trophy case of mathematical achievements to highlight on his tombstone, but above all he wanted a regular heptadecagon etched on it

Jack Murtagh

Close up of child playing with and creating simple images of animals with 2-D geometric shapes

OpinionSeptember 5, 2024

Kids Should Be Taught to Think Logically

Training in symbolic logic is critical in many careers, for responsible citizenship and better lives. It is also an underexploited antidote to today’s bizarre conspiracy thinking

Vinay K. Chaudhri

Round pi number and symbol on dark blue background. pi number, pi symbol and gradient scattered numbers.

MathematicsAugust 29, 2024

String Theorists Accidentally Find a New Formula for Pi

Two physicists have come across infinitely many novel equations for pi while trying to develop a unifying theory of the fundamental forces

Manon Bischoff

MathematicsAugust 21, 2024

High-Dimensional Sudoku Puzzle Proves Mathematicians Wrong about Long-Standing Geometry Problem

Mathematicians reveal that tiling your multidimensional bathroom will lead to never-ending disorder

Max Springer

MathematicsAugust 20, 2024

What’s Next in the Sequence?

Can you find the pattern behind this progression of digits?

Sarah Lewin Frasier

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