Mathematics

When the roads get crowded, many drivers start changing lanes. Mathematics suggests this intuition is typically wrong

Joan Birman popularized the Burau representation problem decades ago. Now she and two colleagues have a proof that reveals brand new insights into the geometry of braids

A new breakthrough pushes the limits of randomness, bringing a decades-old mathematical mystery closer to resolution

What’s the secret to prompting an AI to solve math problems that have left humans stumped? Tell it to believe in itself

The signature of Sak Tahn Waax, or “White-Chested Fox,” was found inscribed in a 1,000-year-old chamber beneath present-day Guatemala

A 23-year-old student overturned an ancient conjecture about one of math’s simplest operations

The quest to approximate irrational numbers with fractions reveals hidden patterns, surprising hierarchies and enduring mathematical mysteries

Why the human brain can't fathom what it means to be a trillionaire

Some mathematicians have predicted when humanity’s downfall might occur—though the circumstances are unspecified

Find the lengths of the sides of the square in this math puzzle

The renowned physicist on the lack of public support for political interference in science

The prolific mathematician discusses the role culture plays in understanding and appreciating science