Mathematicians find new solutions to an ancient puzzle

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-03/uoa-mfn031408.php

by theoneill • 18 years ago

23 5 18 years ago

dhimes• 18 years ago

Mathematica is a great tool for math hackers. The only problem is that these kinds of problems are addictive, and take time away from what I "should" be doing.

But often I learn something by allowing myself to play "just a little..."

powerflex2• 18 years ago

I'm amazed that more of these are not posted to Hacker News. The solution of math problems seems to forecast innovation:

ie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_coloring_conjecture

was just recently solved.

jcl• 18 years ago

You mean this one? :)

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=142085

powerflex2• 18 years ago

Ha! I should of known!! :)

mhartl• 18 years ago

Euler's hypothesis was disproved in 1987 by a Harvard graduate student named Noam Elkies.

And partially as a result, Noam ended up one of the youngest ever tenured professors at Harvard (at the age of 26).

I met Noam when hanging out with guys from the Harvard Glee Club, which Noam accompanies on piano. Reading Noam's CV (http://www.math.harvard.edu/~elkies/math_cv.html) was one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had.

Mathematicians find new solutions to an ancient puzzle

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