Mathematical Themes
Explore the major mathematical themes: geometry, algebra, analysis, arithmetic, logic, and many other fascinating fields.
A stroll through the solar system
How can we measure the distances between us and the various planets in the solar system? We can use a common reference unit, such as the distance from Earth to the Sun. But how can we estimate that distance? The history of these calculations stretches back at least as far as the scholars of antiquity!
GPS and shortest paths: Dijkstra's algorithm | Tangente
"At the roundabout, turn right": but how does our GPS find the shortest route to our destination?
Editorial
"Distance makes everything infinitely more precious." Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey (Hutchinson, 1968).
The evolution problem in general relativity
Einstein's equations of general relativity have returned to the spotlight in recent years. Progress has been made on the stability of Minkowski space and on the still-elusive cosmic censorship conjecture, formulated by 2020 Nobel laureate in physics Roger Penrose...
Exceptional documentaries on Arte.tv | Tangente
Arte.tv recently released a series of documentaries about mathematics. Not to be missed.
Solving Molière’s equations | Tangente
While we wait for the "Maths and theatre" feature in our next issue, here is a short sketch that solves some equations posed by Molière, with incomplete information but under constraints. A teacher (of maths?) and an actor meet by chance...
Tangente Awards 2021: the winners | Tangente
As it does every year, the Tangente Awards ceremony was a highlight in the promotion of mathematics and the role literature plays in it. After the 2020 event was held remotely, the 2021 ceremony took place in person on December 16 at the Musée des Arts et Métiers. Meet the award-winning works and their authors.
What makes us human: geometric intuition | Tangente
Humans have possessed geometric intuition since the dawn of time—but do other primates share it? To find out, Mathias Sablé-Meyer proposes an experiment: identify the odd one out in a series of six quadrilaterals.
Doing maths is good for the brain... it’s proven! | Tangente
A brain trained in maths during youth is better equipped to reason correctly and guard against misinformation and stereotypes.
Algebra mourns: Jacques Tits has passed away | Tangente
Belgian-born French mathematician Jacques Tits (1930–2021) passed away in early December.
Marc-Antoine Mathieu: comics and dimensions | Tangente
Julius Corentin Acquefacques, prisoner of dreams, is perhaps the comic-book hero most often drawn into the world of mathematical ideas. Let's venture into the extraordinary world of his creator, Marc-Antoine Mathieu.
Rose Polymath and Anselme Lanturlu: Science comics | Tangente
Many comic-book authors draw on mathematics in their work, whether consciously or not. Conversely, scientists committed to public outreach who can also draw sometimes try their hand at making comics.
Donald in Mathmagic Land: finally in comic-book form | Tangente
Donald in Mathmagic Land (Hamilton Luske, 1959) is a 27-minute short film produced by Walt Disney Studios.
The n-queens problem
Did you enjoy "The Queen's Gambit"? Then you should like this problem.
An architect's dream?
The golden ratio, as everyone knows, crops up everywhere in art... provided, that is, you are determined to find it and willing to overlook (!) a few approximations or anachronistic units of measurement. Let's trace the writings that linked it to architecture and brought it to public attention.
Midam and Kid Paddle’s mathematical models | Tangente
Welcome to the world of Michel Ledent, better known as Midam. For thirty years, his characters have appeared in two comic-book series, each carving out a distinctive place of its own. Let's explore the mathematics hidden behind their hilarious adventures.
An interview with Étienne Lécroart: mathematics and creative comics | Tangente
Mathematics and its history can both become the subject of comics. Some authors draw inspiration from these subjects to devise the very structure of their pages. We spoke with one of them, the iconic Étienne Lécroart, who believes that "all mathematics stems from the same thing: logic."
Golden ratio in nature: fact or myth? | Tangente
The myth that the golden ratio is found in nature is remarkably persistent.
Golden ratio in art: between myths and realities | Tangente
However you look at the paintings, it is hard to substantiate the idea that the golden ratio's presence in art gives a work some decisive aesthetic quality. Let's see where φ really lurks...
Gold, yes... but metal too
Mathematics enthusiasts—and mathematicians themselves—have no shortage of imagination! Starting from the golden ratio, some have defined a family of numbers known as metallic means that share certain properties with the golden ratio.