In the vibrant halls of St. Mary’s Dominican High School in New Orleans, two teenage mathematicians, Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, embarked on a quest that would etch their names in the annals of mathematical history.
Inspired by the allure of Pythagoras’ theorem, a cornerstone of mathematics taught for centuries, they dared to challenge the status quo.
With the wisdom of the ancients seemingly set in stone, they posed an audacious question: could there be another way to prove what seemed incontrovertibly proven?
The duo’s journey led them to the hallowed grounds of the American Mathematical Society’s Annual Southeastern Conference in Georgia, where amidst the seasoned minds of mathematics, they stood as the sole representatives of high school intellect.
Their weapon of choice? The Law of Sines, a fundamental result in trigonometry, typically overshadowed by Pythagoras’ towering theorem.
They proposed a new proof, untangling the circular logic that had bound the theorem’s relationship with trigonometry for over two millennia.
Their assertion was not just a challenge; it was a revelation that perhaps, in the book of mathematical truths, some pages were yet to be written.
The mathematical community, accustomed to the rigidity of established proofs, found itself at the precipice of a paradigm shift.
Sarah Rasmussen, a mathematician from Cambridge, heralded their accomplishment as a beacon of critical thinking and innovation.
It appears these 2 students at least managed to
1) recognise Loomis’ statement was too sloppy/general to be true, and
2) produce a PT proof for which either the method or its described relation to trig (media coverage has been short on details) is not replicated in Loomis’ book.— Sarah Rasmussen (@SarahDRasmussen) March 27, 2023
As the news of their groundbreaking work unfurled beyond the conference halls, it became clear that this was more than a mathematical breakthrough.
It was a testament to the undying spirit of inquiry and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that defines the human condition.
It underscored the significance of questioning the unquestioned and exploring the unknown with unyielding curiosity.
In the classrooms of St. Mary’s, a slogan resonates, “no excellence without hard labor,” a mantra that Johnson and Ne’Kiya lived by.
Their success was not just their own but also a tribute to the dedication of their teachers and the nurturing environment of their school.
Their story is a beacon for young minds everywhere, proving that age and experience are no barriers to making significant contributions to the world of science and mathematics.
Their aspirations, with Johnson eyeing a future in environmental engineering and Jackson in biochemistry, reflect a broader vision.
They are pioneers of change, embodying the potential for young minds to lead the way in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
As they prepare to submit their findings for peer review, the path they tread paves the way for future scholars.
Their story, a blend of intellect, determination, and courage, serves as a clarion call to the youth: to dream, to dare, and to discover.
In their triumph, we find a reminder that in the quest for knowledge, there are always new horizons to explore, and sometimes, it takes the fresh eyes of the young to see what we all missed.
Learn more about how these teen girls poked a giant hole in one of mathematics’ oldest theories below!
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