Skip to content
News

Groundbreaking Pythagorean Research Featured in The American Mathematical Monthly

After 60 Minutes, Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson's Groundbreaking Pythagorean Research Featured in The American Mathematical Monthly

Ne’Kiya Jackson (left) and Calcea Johnson (right). Photo credit: Calcea Johnson

Washington, DC – Ne'Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, students from New Orleans, Louisiana, have authored the lead article for the November issue of The American Mathematical Monthly, titled “Five or Ten New Proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem.” In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, the students shared that they aspire to present their findings in an academic journal, a goal they have now achieved.

Their remarkable work first gained widespread recognition when they presented it at the American Mathematical Society's Spring Southeastern Sectional Meeting in March of 2023. Johnson and Jackson’s presentation highlighted a novel approach utilizing the Law of Sines, challenging the long-held belief that trigonometric proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem were inherently circular. This breakthrough has drawn significant national attention, with their story featured in a special segment on 60 Minutes.

The publication of their findings in The American Mathematical Monthly marks the culmination of their work, which enhances the understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of mathematicians.

Reflecting on the challenges students often face with trigonometry, Johnson and Jackson noted, "Perhaps no subject in mathematics generates more confusion and anxiety for high school students than trigonometry... One reason may be that there are two different ways to define the same trigonometric terms." Their research aims to provide clarity, offering valuable insights that help demystify these complexities.

Both Ne’Kiya and Calcea graduated last year and have continued their academic journeys with scholarships. Ne’Kiya is pursuing pharmacy at Xavier University in New Orleans, while Calcea, the class valedictorian, is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University.

The American Mathematical Monthly is highly regarded and widely read, establishing it as one of the most respected journals in the mathematical community. Published by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), it was founded in 1894 and focuses on expository articles that bring significant mathematical advances to a broad audience. Known for its rigorous standards, the journal has played a key role in shaping modern mathematical thought and fostering scholarly communication.

Della Dumbaugh, Editor of The American Mathematical Monthly, noted that “the Monthly is honored and delighted to publish the work of these two students on its pages. Their results call attention to the promise of the fresh perspective of students on the field. They also highlight the important role of teachers and schools in advancing the next generation of mathematicians. Even more, this work echoes the spirit of Benjamin Finkel when he founded the Monthly in 1894 to feature mathematics within reach of teachers and students of mathematics.”

The MAA is proud to support these exceptional young scholars and invites educators and students to explore their findings in the upcoming November issue of The American Mathematical Monthly. Their work promises to enrich the mathematical community and inspire continued exploration.

About MAA

The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate the understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives.