Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes
60 Minutes・10 minutes read
Two high school seniors from St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans, Naya Jackson and Kelsey Johnson, made history by solving a mathematical puzzle and presenting a new proof of the Pythagorean theorem at an American Mathematical Society conference in Atlanta, earning global recognition and praise. Despite their achievement, the students have since pursued different career paths, with Naya studying pharmacy and Kelsey focusing on environmental engineering.
Insights
- Naya Jackson and Kelsey Johnson, students from St. Mary's Academy, solved a centuries-old mathematical puzzle by using trigonometry to create a novel proof of the Pythagorean theorem.
- Their groundbreaking proof, presented at an American Mathematical Society conference, received global acclaim, including recognition from prominent figures like Michelle Obama and the governor of New Orleans.
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Recent questions
How did Naya and Kelsey gain recognition?
Through solving a mathematical puzzle at a conference.
What school did Naya and Kelsey attend?
St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans.
What did Naya and Kelsey achieve?
They solved a mathematical puzzle thought impossible for 2,000 years.
What career path did Naya choose?
Pharmacy.
What career path did Kelsey choose?
Environmental engineering.
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Summary
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"High school seniors solve ancient math puzzle"
- Two high school seniors, Naya Jackson and Kelsey Johnson, solved a mathematical puzzle thought impossible for 2,000 years.
- Both students attended St. Mary's Academy, a private Catholic school in New Orleans with a rich history.
- The seniors tackled a math contest bonus question to create a new proof of the Pythagorean theorem using trigonometry.
- Their groundbreaking proof involved creating a pattern of smaller right triangles forming a larger waffle cone shape.
- The proof was presented at an American Mathematical Society conference in Atlanta, gaining widespread recognition.
- Naya and Kelsey's achievement garnered global attention, including praise from Michelle Obama and the governor of New Orleans.
- Despite their mathematical success, both students have pursued different career paths, with Naya studying pharmacy and Kelsey focusing on environmental engineering.
