In a remarkable display of mathematical prowess, two college freshmen, Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson, have unveiled several new proofs for the 2,000-year-old Pythagorean theorem, challenging long-standing mathematical beliefs. The theorem, a cornerstone of geometry, states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
Johnson and Jackson, both graduates of St Mary’s Academy in New Orleans, initially made waves in the mathematical world when they discovered a unique proof for Pythagoras's theorem using trigonometry during their senior year. This was a feat previously thought impossible due to the perceived circular reasoning involved in using trigonometry to prove a theorem that underpins trigonometry itself.
"We found five, and then we found a general format that could potentially produce at least five additional proofs," Johnson revealed during a national interview on CBS's 60 Minutes. This announcement comes just over a year after their initial breakthrough earned them international recognition.
Their groundbreaking work was presented at a regional meeting of the American Mathematical Society in March 2023. Despite some skepticism from the mathematical community, their work has been met with widespread applause, with their proof confirmed as valid by several mathematicians. The duo has since submitted their discoveries for peer review and potential publication.
Despite their exceptional mathematical skills, Johnson and Jackson have expressed no interest in pursuing careers as professional mathematicians. "People might expect too much out of me if I become a mathematician," Jackson said. Johnson echoed her sentiments, stating she might consider math as a minor but not as her primary career path.
Their achievement has drawn attention not only for its mathematical significance but also for challenging societal expectations about young black women's capabilities. "I'd like to be celebrated for what it is," Jackson said. "Like - it's a great mathematical achievement."
The duo's accomplishment has been lauded by several high-profile figures, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, who expressed her admiration on social media. They also received a commendation from Louisiana’s then governor and symbolic keys to the city of New Orleans.
Currently, Jackson is pursuing pharmacy studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, while Johnson, who graduated as valedictorian from St Mary’s, is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
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