Students solve impossible Pythagorean theorem!
Recommended for Preparatory Grades
Two high school seniors claim to have proved the Pythagorean theorem. They used trigonometry at an American Mathematical Society meeting. The names of the students are Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson,
The theorem is over 2,000 years old. It states that the sum of the squares of a right triangle’s two shorter sides is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.
Important Details
- Trigonometry lays out how the side lengths and angles in a triangle are related.
- Traditionally, mathematicians thought that using trigonometry to prove the theorem would always include some hidden expression of the theorem itself.
- This would be an error in thinking called circular reasoning.
- Johnson and Jackson’s proof has yet to be scrutinized by mathematicians.
- But if it is true, it would be an impressive finding as they claim to have proved the theorem without using the theorem itself, thus avoiding circular reasoning.
- The student’s achievement is notable because it challenges the conventional wisdom that only adults can accomplish such feats.
- However, their findings have not yet been accepted into a peer-reviewed journal.
- So it remains to be seen whether their proof will ultimately hold up.
Similar Stories
- 6 Indian students qualify for International Math Olympiad
- Ukrainian woman receives Fields Medal in Mathematics!
Watch a video
The Youtube channel “Ted-Ed” shares a number of ways to prove the Pythagorean Theorem.
Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Also, check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.
Curious Times News Program for Schools for FREE. Over 5,000 schools and teachers from all over the world have joined our programme so that students and teachers can get FREE Educative Newspaper. Here, kids can take part in world events and win prizes and certificates for free through their schools.
Moreover, schools are sharing important School News, like interviews with the principal, notices about new students, contests, and results, not just on social media but also on a news website for kids and other schools.
Thus, do not wait any further, sign-up for your school for FREE.
The following social media platforms allow you to communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
0 (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)