Figurate numbers

Square numbers, cubic numbers, pyramidal numbers, oblong numbers, pentagonal numbers, hexagonal numbers… A wealth of integers can be arranged in elegant regular geometric figures. Any change of perspective that makes it possible to move from an arithmetic representation to a geometric representation (and vice versa) is fruitful and leads to many puzzles… not always easy. You probably think everything has already been said and repeated (including in Tangente!) about figurate numbers. Wrong! Are you familiar with the work of Renaissance mathematician Francesco Maurolico? With this feature, you will rediscover arithmology!

Gilles Cohen had a vision: that of a complete breaking down of barriers between disciplines, where sciences would be an integral part of culture, where mathematics would rub shoulders with other fields of knowledge in conversations. Through his numerous projects, the historic director of POLE Éditions and the magazine Tangente spared no effort to give substance to this approach. Gilles Cohen is no longer with us, but the fight he led is just as relevant today as it was at the beginning of Tangente. Now it is up to all those he inspired to continue to sow seeds of maths. This file is a tribute from the editorial team to Gilles and to his actions in favor of the development of mathematical culture for everyone.