Mathematical Themes
Explore the major mathematical themes: geometry, algebra, analysis, arithmetic, logic, and many other fascinating fields.
The new mathematical tools used by insurance companies
Mathematical tools are constantly evolving in the insurance industry. Until recently, they were used mainly in technical departments, where actuaries play a central role. Today, they are driving the development of new professions.
Anticipating change
A company operates in an uncertain environment. A range of mathematical tools can help us better understand the uncertainties that must be taken into account when anticipating the future. After all, to govern is to foresee!
Stories of successful maths–industry collaborations | Tangente
On November 26, 2019, AMIES invited a number of speakers to describe successful collaborations between companies and mathematical research laboratories. It was an opportunity to discover sometimes unexpected partnerships, suggesting that mathematics will play an increasingly prominent role in business operations.
Mathematics: research–industry partnerships | Tangente
Since September 2019, Frédéric Bertrand has been a professor at the Université de Technologie de Troyes, specializing in modeling and statistical decision-making. Previously an associate professor at the Institut de recherche en mathématique avancée at the Université de Strasbourg, he is actively involved in research while forging close ties with businesses.
Year of Mathematics guide | Tangente
The Institut national des sciences mathématiques et de leurs interactions (INSMI) and the ministère de l'Éducation nationale joined forces to propose that 2020 be designated the Year of Mathematics.
A maths special issue for everyone | Tangente
When a general-interest weekly such as Le Point publishes a special issue devoted entirely to mathematics, the Tangente editorial team can only be pleased—particularly because it addresses issues and values close to our hearts, as the titles of its three sections show: "Maths for everyone", "Maths are everywhere" and "Practical maths".
Michel Serres: scientist and philosopher | Tangente
Did Michel Serres, who moved from mathematics to philosophy, truly leave the "queen of the sciences" behind? Throughout his career, at any rate, he never missed an opportunity to refer to the subject. Explore the mathematical landscape of this unconventional philosopher.
Is the Palais de la découverte in danger? | Tangente
When it opened in 1937, the Palais de la découverte aimed to "bring science out of the labs" and show "science in the making," with the aim of turning visitors into budding researchers.
Jeanne Calment: the mathematics of longevity | Tangente
Jeanne Calment of France, who died in 1997 at the exceptional age of 122, long held the title of the world's oldest person. In January, Nicolaï Zak, a Russian mathematician with an interest in genealogy, and gerontologist Valeri Novosselov claimed that Jeanne had in fact died back in 1934 and been "replaced" by her daughter Yvonne… because of an inheritance-tax matter.
Court and maths: an unprecedented ruling | Tangente
Readers of Tangente 189 (page 5) will no doubt remember Valentin Desgranges, the 19-year-old from Toulouse who submitted a sensible mathematical answer to an online competition run by a major retail chain (Auchan).
The audioactive sequence
Self-describing sequences are fairly well known among mathematics enthusiasts, but their history often is not. Even less familiar, no doubt, is the work of the man who helped bring them into the mathematical mainstream: John Conway, who devoted his life to having fun with mathematics.
Self-referential word games | Tangente
Words, too, are fertile ground for self-referential curiosities. Here are a few.
Self-reference and fixed points in logic | Tangente
Self-reference is paradoxical and connected with the mathematical notion of a fixed point, the method of successive approximations, and recursive definitions. Together, these connections make this fundamental idea a natural subject for mathematics enthusiasts.
Divide and conquer: divisibility tests in action | Tangente
Many arithmetic problems can be solved using standard methods, whether elementary or advanced. But some puzzles call for a basic concept—divisibility—and a little ingenuity.
Magical divisibility tests: maths and conjuring | Tangente
The mathemagician sometimes uses divisibility to dazzle the audience. Before turning to the solutions, try to work out for yourself the mathematics behind the tricks that follow. Amaze your friends with magic while doing mathematics!
When 60 divides 9
Divisibility can be considered in sets of numbers other than the integers. One such set, introduced as early as fourth grade, lends itself perfectly to this generalization: the terminating decimals.
Tangente Awards 2019 winners | Tangente
The 2019 Tangente Awards were presented on Saturday, November 30, at the Palais du Luxembourg. As usual, they honored outstanding books and projects involving mathematics.
Playing with self-referential numbers | Tangente
Can the digits of a number, or the terms of a number sequence, themselves tell readers about their positions or properties? With a few ingenious constructions, they can!
The mathematics of pop-up cards
A sheet of paper offers endless opportunities for mathematical play. Origami and paper folding immediately spring to mind. But allowing yourself to cut the paper produces equally interesting results, as pop-up cards show.
Become an Éditions PÔLE ambassador | Tangente
Founded 30 years ago, POLE publishes Tangente magazine, along with books on mathematical culture and intelligent games. Although it is financially sound, it must evolve to adapt to today's environment. What if you helped us achieve this goal by becoming one of our ambassadors?