An amateur researcher and former Nvidia employee, Luke Durant, has discovered the largest known prime number, surpassing the previous record holder by more than 16 million digits. This discovery, made using a free program called GIMPS, involved thousands of GPUs across 24 data centers in 17 countries. The new prime number, 2^136,279,841 – 1, contains over 41 million decimal digits and is the 52nd known Mersenne prime.
On October 16, 1843, Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton had a groundbreaking epiphany while walking along Dublin’s Royal Canal. Excitedly, he carved his discovery onto Broome Bridge with his penknife, creating the most famous graffiti in mathematical history. This seemingly simple inscription, ‘i² = j² = k² = ijk = -1’, revolutionized how mathematicians represent information and led to countless technical applications, from bridge design to search engine algorithms.
Acclaimed Japanese mathematician Kenji Fukaya has left his position at Stony Brook University to join China’s Tsinghua University, adding to the increasing movement of prominent researchers back to China. His decision comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US, China, and Japan, highlighting the ongoing global competition for talent and influence in the field of mathematics.
UC Berkeley boasts a world-renowned mathematics program, ranked 6th globally in the QS World University Rankings. The program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum, strong faculty, and excellent career prospects for graduates. Learn more about the program’s highlights, including course offerings, eligibility criteria, tuition, financial aid, and job opportunities.
Google’s AI systems, AlphaProof and AlphaGeometry 2, have demonstrated remarkable mathematical prowess by achieving silver medal-level performance at the prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). These systems, trained on a vast dataset of mathematical problems, showcase a significant advancement in AI’s ability to solve complex mathematical problems, highlighting the potential for AI to revolutionize various scientific fields.
This excerpt delves into the fascinating history of mathematical language, tracing its evolution from word-based descriptions to the symbolic forms we use today. The author explores how algebra, a fundamental branch of mathematics, emerged over millennia, highlighting the contributions of mathematicians across civilizations, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Renaissance. The story reveals the power of symbolic thinking and its impact on scientific discoveries, exemplified by Einstein’s famous E=mc².
A concerning trend has emerged in Bhubaneswar, where 39 subjects offered by 35 colleges have reported zero admissions for the 2023-24 academic session. Subjects such as mathematics and English top the list, indicating a lack of interest among students. Colleges from eight districts are affected, with Cuttack reporting the highest number of subjects with zero admissions. The lack of trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and students’ fear of low marks in certain subjects are cited as reasons for this decline. Some colleges are facing closure due to the persistent issue of zero admissions.
James Harris Simons, the award-winning mathematician, renowned investor, and generous philanthropist who co-founded the Simons Foundation, passed away at the age of 86 in New York City. Together with his wife, Marilyn Simons, he established the Simons Foundation in 1994, which has supported scientists worldwide in advancing research in mathematics and basic sciences. Simons’ contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in string theory, topology, and condensed matter physics, have left an indelible mark on the scientific community. His philanthropic efforts through the Simons Foundation, Simons Foundation International, Math for America, and other initiatives have focused on supporting math and science research, education, and fostering the next generation of mathematicians and scientists.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students who opted for Basic Mathematics in Class 10 during the 2023-24 academic year can still pursue Standard Mathematics in Class 11 for the 2024-25 academic year. This decision was made after considering the changes proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP). However, schools are advised to ensure that students have the aptitude and ability to handle the rigors of Standard Mathematics.
A UCLA professor responds to criticism of the university’s data science course, arguing that data science education is vital and should not be seen as a mathematical afterthought. They emphasize the importance of teaching statistical concepts early on and highlight the limitations of an outdated mathematics curriculum. The professor also questions the value of the quadratic equation compared to the practical knowledge gained in data science courses.
