Applied mathematics
Explore mathematics articles on the theme of applied mathematics.
PodcastPascal's Wager: probability and faith in mathematical analysis
An explanation of Blaise Pascal's famous argument about the wager of faith, applying probability theory to the question of God's existence.
PodcastThe divine perspective: geometry and art in the Renaissance
How did Renaissance painters work around the vanishing point—a profane image of divine infinity—before projective geometry formalized their intuitions?
PodcastDetermining the qibla: spherical trigonometry and direction to Mecca
Discover how Muslim tradition inspired elegant mathematical solutions for finding the direction of Mecca, combining spherical geometry and astronomy.
PodcastTalystro: maths strategy game review on Steam
Talystro is a Norwegian roguelite where every enemy has a precise value to reach through equations. A playful, strategic approach to maths.
PodcastGladys West: the mathematician who made GPS possible
A portrait of Gladys West, the African-American mathematician whose geodetic models enabled the development of modern GPS.
PodcastTerence Tao and AI: what they are changing in mathematics
Terence Tao, a Fields Medalist, shares his experience with AI in mathematical research: an exploration partner that is transforming the way problems are formulated.
PodcastAlkindi 2026: cryptanalysis final for middle schoolers at the École des Mines
Twenty teams of middle and high school students go head-to-head on 13 May at the École des Mines de Paris to win the title of France's best junior cryptanalyst.
PodcastAce: the math-powered robot beating ping-pong champs
Discover how Ace, a robot that combines reinforcement learning with event-based vision, can beat ping-pong champions. We break down the mathematics behind this feat, published in Nature.
PodcastYear 2038 bug: the 32-bit timestamp problem explained
A massive bug related to the way computers represent large numbers looms on January 19, 2038, at 3:14:08 a.m.
PodcastThe Boltzmann equation: from molecular chaos to macroscopic equilibrium
Formulated in 1872 by the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906), this equation describes how a gas or fluid evolves toward equilibrium. It bridges molecular collisions at microscopic scales and the macroscopic world.
PodcastMercator projection: anatomy of a geopolitical map
We tend to think of mathematics as a perfectly neutral science. Yet, like any human construct, its uses can prove more political than they appear. That is how an age-old geometry problem found its way into diplomatic debates in recent months.
PodcastDiscrete lines: the birth of a new geometry
Problems involving representation on a pixelated screen belong to discrete geometry. But beyond mere aesthetic considerations, are these new subjects of study—including discrete lines—tools for exploring Euclidean geometry more deeply, or objects of a new geometry?
Patrice Jeener: the mathematical engraver who turned equations into art
Patrice Jeener (1944–2026) passed away on March 3 in his village of La Motte-Chalancon, in the Drôme.
CNRS public consultation: how French people relate to mathematics
33,000 citizens took part in the CNRS's major nationwide consultation on mathematics. Discover what this landmark survey reveals about access to maths.
PodcastCédric Aubouy, math clown and author of “Je ne sais pas”
Cédric Aubouy, a mathematical clown and founder of the L’île logique company, agreed to meet us to mark the publication of his first novel, Je ne sais pas ou la disparition des mathématiciens.
PodcastTraining Insee staff: ENSAE, ENSAI and Cefil
Insee trains its staff at three schools with admission by competitive examination: ENSAE, ENSAI and Cefil. Their multidisciplinary programs in statistics, economics and computer science prepare students for data careers.
PodcastEconometrics: measuring to understand | Insee
Econometrics uses mathematics and statistics to uncover causal relationships in economic phenomena and inform public policy.
PodcastHow are statistical data collected in France?
Official statistics are governed by strict rules for surveys. Discover the institutions involved, multimode data collection and the biases inherent in each method.
Largest small polygon: max area at fixed diameter | Tangente
Let us consider polygons of diameter at most one—that is, polygons in which the distance between any two points is no greater than one—and determine which has the greatest area.
Optimizing consumption | Tangente
Making consumption choices is no easy matter. But for a rational consumer, the notion of convexity is extremely useful! Consumer theory provides a case in point here.