US college students discover new proofs of Pythagoras's theorem
Two US college freshmen, Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson, have once again made waves in the mathematical world. Following their initial discovery of a unique proof for Pythagoras's theorem using trigonometry, they have now revealed several more proofs. During an interview on CBS, Johnson stated, "We found five, and then we found a general format that could potentially produce at least five additional proofs." This announcement comes just over a year after their first breakthrough earned them international recognition.
Young prodigies shy away from professional mathematics career
Despite their exceptional mathematical skills, Johnson and Jackson have no plans to pursue careers as professional mathematicians. Jackson voiced her apprehensions about the high expectations that might accompany such a career. Echoing her sentiments, Johnson mentioned she might consider math as a minor but not as her primary career path. Their groundbreaking work on the Pythagorean theorem has ignited widespread discussion in the academic community.
Challenging established mathematical notions
The Pythagorean theorem, an ancient mathematical principle dating back 2,000 years, states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides. For many years, mathematicians believed any proof based on trigonometry would be flawed due to circular reasoning. However, during their senior year at St Mary's Academy in New Orleans, Johnson and Jackson challenged this belief, with their unprecedented method using trigonometry to prove Pythagoras's theorem.
Recognition and skepticism surround mathematical findings
Their groundbreaking findings were presented at an American Mathematical Society meeting in March 2023. The duo has since submitted their discoveries for peer review and potential publication. Their work has been met with both skepticism and applause from the mathematical community, with some questioning the claim that their research was "unprecedented," while others praised their valid new proof. Among those who applauded them was Michelle Obama, who expressed her admiration on social media.
Young mathematicians challenge societal expectations
The duo's achievement has drawn attention due to its challenge to societal expectations about young black women's capabilities. Jackson expressed her desire for their accomplishment to be recognized for its mathematical significance, "I'd like to be celebrated for what it is," she said. "Like - it's a great mathematical achievement." Currently, Jackson is pursuing pharmacy studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, while Johnson is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
