Mathematics
Latest about Mathematics
Pi calculated to 105 trillion digits, smashing world record
By Harry Baker published
A U.S. computer storage company has calculated the irrational number pi to 105 trillion digits, breaking the previous world record. The calculations took 75 days to complete and used up 1 million gigabytes of data.
Can you solve NASA's Pi Day 2024 riddle?
By Meredith Garofalo published
Hungry for Pi? Check out NASA's Pi Day challenge and put your wits to the test solving problems just like NASA scientists and engineers.
12 surprising facts about pi to chew on this Pi Day
By Tia Ghose published
On Pi Day (March 14) we celebrate perhaps the most iconic irrational number on Earth. From its ancient origins to the unanswered questions, here are some of the most surprising facts about pi.
Why NASA uses only 16 of the 105 trillion digits of pi we know
By Harry Baker published
On Pi Day (March 14), NASA reminded us why we need only a small slice of the irrational number's infinite decimal places to explain most of the known universe.
World's oldest known decimal point discovered in merchant's notes from 1440s Italy
By Stephanie Pappas published
Decimal points are at least 150 years older than historians thought, according to newly unearthed notes from Venetian merchant Giovanni Bianchini, who practiced astrology in the 1440s.
How long is a second?
By Victoria Atkinson published
The length of a second depends on how you're measuring it.
Math's 'hairy ball theorem' shows why there's always at least one place on Earth where no wind blows
By Jack Murtagh published
Here's what the hairiest problem in math can teach us about wind, antennas and nuclear fusion.
Scientists uncover hidden math that governs genetic mutations
By Stephanie Pappas published
The ability of a gene to keep functioning despite mutations shows a surprising link to fundamental math.
Mathematicians finally identify 'seemingly impossible' number after 32 years, thanks to supercomputers
By Harry Baker published
Researchers have calculated the "ninth Dedekind number," which belongs to an exponentially complex series of numbers that define outputs of logical functions based on different spatial dimensions.
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