The abstraction
All folders in this issue
The geometry of origami
Paper folding is not only a pleasant diversion that teaches patience, precision and rigor. It is also a wonderful opportunity to question geometry. The mathematical results found by studying origami are indeed numerous, deep and full of surprises. One can thus exactly construct numbers that are inaccessible to the ruler and compass of Euclidean geometry. Or obtain any polygonal shape using… a single cut of scissors. Or identify the fold maps from a 'real' folding thanks to a few elementary but only recently discovered invariants. Paper folding, a mathematical discipline? You wouldn't believe it!
Abstraction in mathematics
Among what distinguishes mathematics from other sciences undoubtedly stands the capacity to abstract a knowledge, an object, an idea, a notion, without having to refer to a "sensory" reality. Moreover, the question of the existence of mathematical concepts such as the number or the point has made the greatest minds "ponder", from Plato to Hilbert, passing through Leibniz and Whitehead. The advent of algebra made it possible to "increase in power" by identifying and studying increasingly general structures, which then spread to many areas of mathematics, particularly in algebraic geometry. In this context, Alexandre Grothendieck particularly distinguished himself, introducing ideas that surprise by their degree of abstraction… and their fruitfulness! But could all this be nothing more than a "simple" mechanical process observable by neurologists?
All articles in this issue
The d'Alembert Prize for Marie Lhuissier
Marie Lhuissier is the 2022 winner of the Société mathématique de France's d'Alembert Prize.
Van der Waerden's conjecture solved!
Manjul Bhargava, a mathematician of Indian origin who was born in Canada in 1974 and is now a professor at Princeton University in the United States, has just proved van der Waerden's conjecture.
2022 Fields Medals: some lovely surprises
The Fields Medals, awarded every four years, were announced in early July! France can take pride in a new triumph with Hugo Duminil-Copin. For the second time, a woman, Maryna Viazovska, has been honored. British mathematician James Maynard and American–South Korean June Huh round out this year's medalists.
Soapy mathematics
What could be more fascinating than soap bubbles? They are beautiful, soothing, with their regular shapes and lovely iridescent colors. But they are also an object of mathematical study. And they hold plenty of surprises for us!
New careers in mathematics and computer science
The exhibition "Mathematics, Computer Science… With Women!" is available. Created by the association Femmes et Mathématiques in partnership with the CCSTI of the Centre-Val de Loire region, it comprises twenty-one roll-up panels presenting the career paths of twenty young women. Each panel features a portrait by photographer Marie-Pierre Dieterlé.
How to help Tangente
IN A DIFFICULT TIME FOR MAGAZINES As you may know, publishers, printers and newsstands are going through a difficult period.
Tangente Day on 4 December at Arts & Métiers
COME CELEBRATE TANGENTE'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY ON 4 DECEMBER! More than 3,000 visitors in a single day! That is the achievement we pulled off with your help during the last two "Tangente Days," held in 2017 and 2018. On those days, the Musée des Arts et Métiers opened its doors to the public free of charge all day, and we were able to offer you numerous exciting activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.