High School Students Make Mathematical Discovery Unproven For 2,000 Years
March 29, 2023
Two high school students in New Orleans are causing quite a stir among mathematicians after discovering a new way to look at a 2,000 year old formula.
Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson / Credit: WWLTV
Last week, Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson gave a presentation to the American Mathematical Society's Annual Southeastern Conference in Atlanta.
The St. Mary’s Academy seniors claimed Pythagoras' Theorem (a squared + b squared = c squared) can be proven with trigonometry -- something that many thought was impossible.
Since the Pythagorean theorem is the basis of trigonometry, it is said there are no trigonometric proofs because that is circular logic and an idea cannot prove itself.
But Johnson and Jackson were able to prove the theorem with trigonometry.
"I saw like a bunch of people like this, and like, writing down stuff and pulling up things on their computers like, oh, like the connections and I was like, wow, they really connected with this," Johnson said.
"Afterwards, we got a lot of congratulations," Jackson said. "Some people apparently started recording."
Watch the news video below.
The theorem is named for the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, born around 570 BC.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Sisters Ask Mom To Send A Cardinal Once She's In Heaven. Watch The Miracle!
Remembering Judge Frank Caprio: The World’s Kindest Judge
Peanut The Famous Turtle Is Turning 41 — And She’s Having A Party!
Teen Mom Shares The Note A Nurse Left for Her At 16 — Years Later, The Story Comes Full Circle
Real People Recall The Moments That Brought Them The Purest Joy
Taylor Swift’s High School Ex Had The Funniest Take On Her Engagement News
Baby Giraffe Gets The Zoomies And We Can't Get Enough
Woman Shares Voicemail From Dermatologist And We're In Tears Laughing
Backyard Visitor: Woman Welcomes Majestic Deer With Incredible Antlers
Young Mariners Fan Goes All-In On Popcorn — And Wins The Internet
Teen With Cerebral Palsy Brings Crowd To Their Feet With Inspiring Walk Across Stage