BERTRAND HAUCHECORNE
179 articles published in Tangente
History and CultureN°65Dec 29, 2017The determinant: an essential tool in linear algebra
The determinant provides a criterion for determining whether an endomorphism is bijective. Its geometric interpretation also tells us about the nature of linear transformations.
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History and CultureN°65Dec 29, 2017Latin, a source of new words
The development of linear algebra gave rise to new terms, such as "scalar", and revived others, such as "vector".
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History and CultureN°65Dec 29, 2017A revolutionary concept!
From the geometric motivations of the earliest scholars to its axiomatization around 1900, the concept of a vector space was gradually refined into the indispensable foundation of many mathematical theories. Here is its thrilling story.
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History and CultureN°179Nov 22, 2017Jacques Besson and his theatre of mathematical instruments
In the mid-16th century, a French mathematician became fascinated with designing instruments born of his ingenious mind…
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History and CultureN°177Jul 16, 2017Jean-Pierre Kahane: A committed mathematician
Jean-Pierre Kahane, who passed away last June at the age of 90, left his mark on his era in many ways: through his work in analysis, which earned him international renown and election to the Académie des sciences; and through his commitment, both political and in the popularization of mathematics.
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Math for everyoneN°63May 25, 2017A bit of etymology
The vocabulary specific to complex numbers is the work of several mathematicians across the centuries
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History and CultureN°63May 25, 2017The complex exponential
How can the classical exponential function be extended to complex numbers? Will its usual properties be preserved? Although the resulting extension is easy to study, the associated notion of a complex logarithm is more elusive. It was the subject of controversy in the 18th century.
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History and CultureN°63May 25, 2017The emergence of the complex plane
The representation of the set of complex numbers by a plane appeared well after their invention.
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History and CultureN°176May 24, 2017Betting on the presidential election: a woman in the spotlight!
Many of you took part in the challenge of coming as close as possible to the presidential election result. The winner is Élisabeth Pietravalle. Far behind, Ipsos proves to be the best polling institute.
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Math for everyoneN°176May 22, 2017Different methods for finding loci
Geometric loci: the term has a whiff of grandfather's geometry about it. Nowadays we'd talk about the set of points satisfying a given property. The old terminology gives the problem a more spatial, physical feel. How have the mathematical tools for studying loci evolved?
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Math for everyoneN°175Mar 29, 2017Christian de Montlibert: "Sociology is a science!"
Emeritus professor at Marc Bloch University in Strasbourg, Christian de Montlibert is a passionate advocate of using statistical methods in sociology. He stresses the importance of grounding sociology in mathematical methods.
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Math for everyoneN°175Mar 29, 2017Betting, from Pascal to the next presidential election
Throughout history and across civilizations, chance has fascinated people. Although betting was not conceptualized until the 15th and 16th centuries, it had already attracted many enthusiasts. Strategies were devised. But can they be adapted to presidential elections?
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