Math isn’t often thought of as a tool for social justice. But mathematical thinking can help us understand what’s going on in society too, says mathematician Eugenia Cheng. For example, abstract math ...

A 3D-printed decuplet crystal, skeleton, and nerves of a big algebra designed by Daniel Bedats. Printed with the Stratasys J750 3D printer at ISTA’s Miba Machine Shop. Symmetry is not just a question ...

Mathematics can explain how light waves propagate in a fiber optic cable or that a linear flow of air over a plane's wings gives passengers a smooth ride, while nonlinear flow causes turbulence. But ...

Every pure mathematician has experienced that awkward moment when asked, “So what’s your research good for?” There are standard responses: a proud “Nothing!”; an explanation that mathematical research ...

In his new book The Math Myth: And Other STEM Delusions, political scientist Andrew Hacker proposes replacing Algebra II and calculus in the high school and college curriculum with a practical course ...

The Hechinger Report covers one topic: education. Sign up for our newsletters to have stories delivered to your inbox. Consider becoming a member to support our nonprofit journalism. Abstract, pure ...

Why is mathematics so complicated? It’s a question many students will ask while grappling with a particularly complex calculus problem — and their teachers will probably echo while setting or marking ...