numbers

A Math Couple Solves a Major Group Theory Problem—After 20 Years of Work
Science

A Math Couple Solves a Major Group Theory Problem—After 20 Years of Work

Albert Wagner

But one of Malle’s graduate students was on the case. Britta Späth. “Our Obsession” In 2003, Späth arrived at the ...

There’s a New Way to Count Prime Numbers
Science

There’s a New Way to Count Prime Numbers

Albert Wagner

But that wasn’t obvious. They’d have to analyze a special set of functions, called Type I and Type II sums, ...

‘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 ...