The new discovery of two promising students redefines the way we view the iconic theorem of geometry. A look back at this scientific feat.
An unprecedented discovery: trigonometry at the heart of the theorem
In 2022, two high school students from Louisiana, Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, surprised the scientific community by presenting a new proof of the famous Pythagorean theorem. This theorem, known for more than two millennia, states that in a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the two sides adjacent to the right angle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.
Although this result had been proven repeatedly by geometric and algebraic methods, the exclusive use of trigonometry to demonstrate it had until then been considered impossible. For what ? Because trigonometric functions such as sine and cosine themselves depend on the foundations of the theorem. However, the two young mathematicians found an innovative approach to get around this limit.
Work recognized by the scientific community
After four years of research, Ne’Kiya and Calcea presented their demonstration at the annual conference of the Mathematical Association of America in Atlanta in March 2023. Their presentation was acclaimed by experts in the field, paving the way for the publication of their work in the prestigious journal American Mathematical Monthly less than a year later.
Their article is not limited to a single proof: it proposes several methods, including one capable of generating five other distinct demonstrations. This work marks a crucial step in the understanding and exploration of the Pythagorean theorem.
Why their approach is revolutionary
The main idea behind their work lies in eliminating the classical bases of trigonometry. Rather than relying on the theorem itself, they designed an approach that relies solely on fundamental properties of angles and proportions. This avoids any circular reasoning, a feat which until now seemed inaccessible.
This advance makes it possible to consider new applications in pure and applied mathematics. Many experts, including Professor Tom Murdoch, believe their work could inspire other researchers to explore alternative approaches to well-established theorems.
Long-term impacts
An inspiration for youth
Calcea Johnson, now an environmental engineering student at Louisiana State University, hopes their success will encourage other young people to pursue science. “This shows that even students can contribute to the advancement of knowledge,” she explains.
Ne’Kiya Jackson, who is pursuing a degree in pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana, shares this vision. “We want to show that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible,” she says.
New scientific perspectives
Their work illustrates the importance of the diversity of approaches in mathematics. This demonstration could, ultimately, find practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics or computer science, particularly in optimization and algorithmic models.
A feat to follow
As their demonstration continues to tour the world, these two young prodigies show that passion and audacity can transcend the presumed limits of knowledge. Their story is an inspiring reminder: science is alive and always ready to welcome innovative minds.
To learn more about their work, see the article published inAmerican Mathematical Monthly or the detailed analysis on CNN.
