Mathematical Themes
Explore the major mathematical themes: geometry, algebra, analysis, arithmetic, logic, and many other fascinating fields.
So many distances!
Here are two problems about distances that interested Paul Erdős. The first studies the distances defined by n points. The second looks for sets of points that define only integer distances.
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.
Friends to count on — Graham, Chung and Erdős | Tangente
The married mathematicians Fan Chung and Ronald Graham were among Paul Erdős's closest friends. They took care of some of the practical aspects of Erdős's itinerant life.
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.
The weaver mathematician — the Erdős number | Tangente
Fostering mathematical collaboration like no one else at a time when doing so was not as easy as it is today, Paul Erdős prompted a new way of looking at publications: first as a marker of ties to him, then as a subject of study in its own right.
Erdős and old age — humor and self-mockery | Tangente
A few years before turning sixty, Erdős began adding strange initials to his signature as a reminder of the passage of time.
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?
Erdős's language: expressions and humor | Tangente
One of Erdős's quirks was his highly distinctive vocabulary, which offers a humorous glimpse of how he viewed those around him.
Editorial: Paul Erdős, catalyst of mathematics | Tangente
Paul Erdős posed or solved hundreds of problems in almost every field. He was nicknamed "the prince of problem solvers and the absolute monarch of problem posers" by Ernst Straus, one of his colleagues.
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.
Maths on France Musique: a podcast | Tangente
Many mathematicians enjoy or play music, and the two disciplines have long been far more closely connected than we might imagine today.
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.
A tribute to Jacqueline Ferrand | Tangente
In November 2023, a room named after Jacqueline Ferrand opened in the mathematics and computer science library at ENS Ulm.
La saga des maths: a France Inter podcast | Tangente
A historical approach to mathematics in the new podcast "La saga des maths".
Rediscovered manuscripts… or not! | Tangente
In early February, Türkiye Today announced the discovery of lost manuscripts by Apollonius: Books V and VII, hitherto unknown and now rediscovered in an Arabic translation.