Curiosity
Patterns, crafts, magic squares and fun mathematical content not part of the school curriculum
Some conjectures in algebra
Here are a few conjectures proposed by Erdős that, despite some progress, remain unsolved...
Paul Erdős by George Csicsery — Documentaries | Tangente
The great book of problems
The "Book" was a project of Erdős's to bring together the most beautiful known mathematical proofs, several of which had been found by Erdős himself. Although he died shortly before the project was completed, the work was nonetheless published, authored by Aigner and Ziegler. Its successive new editions keep the flame alive.
Collaborating with Paul Erdős — Tenenbaum's Account | Tangente
Much of Paul Erdős's work was carried out jointly with others. Gérald Tenenbaum, one of the French mathematicians who collaborated with him, agreed to discuss the methods of this unconventional mathematician.
Paul Erdős: Biographies and a film | Tangente
Two books in particular, both published in 1998, offer a glimpse into Erdős's life through anecdotes and accounts by other mathematicians.
To exist is to do mathematics — Erdős | Tangente
Pál Erdős (1913-1996) is renowned for his eccentric behavior, but above all for the brilliance of his ideas. His ingenious methods, off the beaten track, his countless publications, and his constant wandering built the image of a legendary scholar.
More than 600 problems still open
Throughout his life, in papers written either alone or with collaborators, Erdős posed a great many problems. He solved some of them—but far from all.
An iconic photograph
The famous photograph of Paul Erdős and Terence Tao deep in thought has become an iconic image in the recent history of mathematics. But what were these two extraordinary minds thinking about at that moment?
Mathemagical interview with Yves Meret | Tangente
Yves Meret teaches mathematics at Lycée Blaise Pascal in Rouen, but he is also a magician. Here he tells us how he lives out these two passions, which he has turned into his profession.
Elizebeth Smith Friedman, cryptanalyst | Tangente
In 2008, declassified archives revealed the crucial role of a figure who had long remained in the shadows: Elizebeth Smith Friedman. A talented cryptanalyst, she helped change the course of the world wars and dismantle a powerful criminal network.
Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat and relativity | Tangente
Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat, who died on 11 February 2025, is known as the first woman to become a member of the Académie des sciences. Dwelling on this fact risks overshadowing the importance of her work. Her colleague Piotr Chruściel takes us through her research, which is little known to the general public.
La saga des maths: a France Inter podcast | Tangente
A historical approach to mathematics in the new podcast "La saga des maths".
Martin Gardner's literary work | Tangente
Martin Gardner left behind, in literature and literary criticism, a rich, profoundly original body of work that, unfortunately, remains little known in its entirety. This article offers an overview.
Toward modern skepticism with Gardner | Tangente
Martin Gardner wrote extensively about science and its validity. He is thus recognized as one of the founders of modern skepticism, an important philosophy of science to bring to the fore in this age of post-truth.
Four mathemagic tricks
Martin Gardner knew how to blend magic and logic to captivate his readers. A tireless seeker of magic tricks, he explored the "27-card trick" in particular, and created many others besides.
Martin Gardner: Itinerary of a genius | Tangente
Although he is known for his recreational mathematics and his work as a popularizer, Martin Gardner strangely never pursued a course of study in the discipline. Here are the surprising stages of his unusual path.
Recreational problems from the Arab-Islamic world
Mathematical recreations feature prominently in the Arab-Islamic tradition, yet they do not appear to have been collected in dedicated anthologies. Some examples, very well known in Europe, pose a real challenge to historians seeking to trace how they circulated.
Cyril Bonin's universe: comics and mathematics | Tangente
Mathematics can hold a special place in an artist's thinking. Cyril Bonin explains how: he is the sole creator—writer, artist and colorist—of a distinctive body of graphic novels.
GIMPS and Mersenne primes | Tangente
If you would like to put your computer to work for research, your name might one day be associated with the discovery of a new Mersenne prime…
Mathematics unleashed: passion and research | Tangente
As an amateur, where can you find topics to explore? How can you learn about a subject and keep abreast of the state of the art? Where can you meet people to exchange ideas with—or even find opportunities to publish? Here are a few pointers for anyone eager to take the plunge.