math

Scientists Establish the Best Algorithm for Traversing a Map
Science

Scientists Establish the Best Algorithm for Traversing a Map

Albert Wagner

“It’s a great algorithm,” said Erik Demaine, a computer scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “It’s very fast, simple, ...

‘Groups’ Underpin Modern Math. Here’s How They Work
Science

‘Groups’ Underpin Modern Math. Here’s How They Work

Albert Wagner

Figuring out what subgroups a group contains is one way to understand its structure. For example, the subgroups of Z6 ...

‘Gem’ of a Proof Breaks 80-Year-Old Record, Offers New Insights Into Prime Numbers
Science

‘Gem’ of a Proof Breaks 80-Year-Old Record, Offers New Insights Into Prime Numbers

Albert Wagner

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Sometimes mathematicians try to tackle a problem head on, and ...