MHB What is the Unexpected Discovery in Basic Math?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around an article highlighting an unexpected discovery in basic math related to neutrinos and their interaction with electrons in atoms. Participants express fascination with the topic but note the article's lack of detail on the new formula. A blog by mathematician Terry Tao is recommended for a clearer explanation of the results. The conversation emphasizes the accessibility of complex mathematical concepts when presented by skilled mathematicians. Overall, the interaction showcases a blend of curiosity and appreciation for advancements in mathematical understanding.
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Fascinating. Now if only the article had mentioned what the new formula was!

The part about the neutrinos and electrons interacting in an atom is new to me though. Thanks for that reason as well!

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Fascinating. Now if only the article had mentioned what the new formula was!

The part about the neutrinos and electrons interacting in an atom is new to me though. Thanks for that reason as well!

-Dan

Here is Tao's paper. Short and sweet! I, too, thought this was fascinating! There is room for a masterful mathematician like Tao to write a paper at quite an elementary level.
 
Thread 'Video on imaginary numbers and some queries'
Hi, I was watching the following video. I found some points confusing. Could you please help me to understand the gaps? Thanks, in advance! Question 1: Around 4:22, the video says the following. So for those mathematicians, negative numbers didn't exist. You could subtract, that is find the difference between two positive quantities, but you couldn't have a negative answer or negative coefficients. Mathematicians were so averse to negative numbers that there was no single quadratic...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
Thread 'Unit Circle Double Angle Derivations'
Here I made a terrible mistake of assuming this to be an equilateral triangle and set 2sinx=1 => x=pi/6. Although this did derive the double angle formulas it also led into a terrible mess trying to find all the combinations of sides. I must have been tired and just assumed 6x=180 and 2sinx=1. By that time, I was so mindset that I nearly scolded a person for even saying 90-x. I wonder if this is a case of biased observation that seeks to dis credit me like Jesus of Nazareth since in reality...
Back
Top