Mathematics and Big Data
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Mathematics and Big Data
« Big Data » or « megadata » are invading our world. Thanks to new powerful algorithms, they make it possible to manage in a new way many actions concerning our daily life. More and more connected objects in our daily life exchange data, with the more or less implicit consent of their user. Their heterogeneity forces us to rethink the statistical approach. Their quantity requires revisiting traditional representations as well as classical algorithms, for the benefit of new methods from artificial intelligence: a sector full of future for mathematicians.
Women and mathematics
Women are underrepresented in the population of mathematics users, from high school to highly qualified scientific jobs. What is the origin of this asymmetry? Gender stereotypes, deeply rooted in people's minds, contribute to this. How can we remedy this? Should quotas be imposed, or language formulations such as inclusive writing? Associations, like Women and Mathematics, work to change mindsets. Nevertheless, talented women have taken their place at the highest levels in key institutions or associations, paving the way for a desirable evolution. N.B. You may also read: - in Tangente Éducation 44, a dossier on the same subject, focused on girls/boys equality in school; - on the website www.infinimath.com/femmes-en-maths, a compilation of all previous Tangente articles on the subject, updated by their authors.
The saga of mathematical objects
Seeing, manipulating, learning... Mathematical objects, whether they are instruments, games, tools, puzzles, supports, sculptures, works of art, are a privileged means of appropriating an abstract concept, or even a subtle notion... 'Making sense!' seems to be their reason for being, from the first among them, the Ishango bone, to the ordinary graduated ruler used by all schoolchildren. Some geometric models, beyond the wonder they can inspire, allow us to apprehend properties that are not always obvious… even from a simple cube!
All articles in this issue
The first America
This little "green globe," dating from the early 16th century and measuring just fourteen centimeters in diameter, is the first to bear the name "America"—in four places, no less, as if to proclaim the discovery beyond doubt.
Trompe-l'oeil geometry
Hard though it may be to believe, geometry has sometimes helped to fight the enemy in wartime—or at least to limit the severity of its attacks.
The high school reform
What does the high school reform intended to overhaul the baccalauréat entail? Announced as the Villani–Torossian report was released, it appears to contradict the report's proposals.
The Villani–Torossian report
The press has covered it extensively: a report has just been submitted to the Minister of National Education, recommending 21 measures to improve mathematics teaching in France. We take a closer look.
A guided tour of the Panthéon… of mathematics
Visiting Paris with your family or a school group, you may be looking for mathematically themed attractions. The Panthéon is unlikely to spring to mind… Yet this monument celebrating the nation's great figures is full of surprises! Follow the guide.