How a Hobbyist Solved a 50-Year-Old Math Problem (Einstein Tile)

Up and Atom2 minutes read

Mathematicians discovered a nonperiodic tiling shape after 50 years of searching, with unique tiles like the Ein Stein Tile and the hat proving aperiodicity and leading to practical applications in material science.

Insights

  • Mathematicians discovered a nonperiodic tiling shape after 50 years of searching, which cannot be repeated perfectly on itself, opening new avenues in mathematical exploration.
  • The practical applications of aperiodic tiles, like the Einstein Tile, extend beyond visual appeal to material science, offering enhanced properties such as elasticity and resistance to failure, showcasing their potential for innovative advancements in various industries.

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Recent questions

  • What is a nonperiodic tiling?

    A nonperiodic tiling is a shape that can cover a surface without a repeating pattern.

  • Who discovered the Ein Stein Tile?

    David Smith discovered the Ein Stein Tile.

  • What practical applications do aperiodic patterns have?

    Aperiodic patterns have practical applications in material science.

  • How did the mathematics community react to the discovery of multiple aperiodic monotiles?

    The mathematics community celebrated the discovery of multiple aperiodic monotiles.

  • What is the significance of the Einstein Tile, also known as the spectre?

    The Einstein Tile, known as the spectre, symbolizes a spirit or presence watching over.

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Summary

00:00

"Mathematicians Discover Aperiodic Tiles After 50 Years"

  • Mathematicians discovered a shape that can cover a surface without a repeating pattern after 50 years of searching.
  • This shape, known as a nonperiodic tiling, cannot be copied and laid perfectly onto itself.
  • Aperiodic tiles, which cannot create repeating patterns, were first found in 1964, with the number decreasing to just two by Roger Penrose.
  • In March of this year, a retired printing technician named David Smith discovered the Ein Stein Tile, made up of eight kite shapes.
  • Smith contacted Craig Kaplan, a computer scientist, who confirmed the potential significance of the tile.
  • The tile was named the hat after discussions on its appearance, and a mathematical proof was needed to confirm its aperiodicity.
  • A team of mathematicians and a software engineer collaborated to prove the hat's unique hierarchy, ensuring non-periodicity.
  • Dave discovered another aperiodic monotile, the turtle, which could morph into the hat, leading to an infinite continuum of aperiodic tiles.
  • The discovery of multiple aperiodic monotiles caused celebration in the mathematics community.
  • Despite some criticism that the tiles were not truly aperiodic due to reflections, Dave found a single tile that tiled aperiodically without its mirror reflection.

14:30

Einstein Tile: Tribute and Practical Innovation

  • The Einstein Tile, known as the spectre, was created as a tribute to the creator's deceased brother, symbolizing a spirit or presence watching over them.
  • Aperiodic patterns, like the Einstein Tile, are not only visually appealing for bathroom floors but also hold practical applications in material science, showing promising properties such as increased elasticity and resistance to failure compared to periodic lattice materials.
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