Two New Orleans teens joined an exclusive club of mathematicians when they discovered trigonometry proofs for Pythagorean’s Theorem.
Two teens in New Orleans joined an exclusive club of mathematicians last year when they discovered trigonometry proofs for Pythagorean’s Theorem.
“I was motivated because there was a monetary incentive,” Jackson said.
The participants were given a few prompts on how to come up with proof, and the rest was on them. While Johnson and Jackson were both familiar with the Pythagorean Theorem’s a² + b² = c² concept, the idea of coming up with a proof using only trigonometry was considered nearly impossible.
With geometry and only a little trigonometry under their belt, their mission of coming up with proof using only trigonometry wasn’t easy, but they were up for the challenge.
“I was like, ‘I started something. I need to finish it,’” Johnson said.
After their proof “blew up,” Jackson and Johnson received a write-up in South Korea, a shout-out from former first lady Michelle Obama, a commendation from the governor, and keys to the city of New Orleans. Jackson cites what she believes is the reason behind their worldwide recognition.
“Probably because we’re African American, one. And we’re also women. So I think — oh, and our age. Of course our ages probably played a big part,” she said.
“I’d like to be actually celebrated for what it is — a great mathematical achievement.”
Jackson is currently on a full scholarship in the pharmacy school at Xavier University in New Orleans while Johnson, the class valedictorian, is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University.
Source: Black Enterprise
