Archaeology
Ancient pottery shows the earliest evidence of humans doing math
The numbers of petals painted on 8,000-year-old pottery showed a distinct numerical pattern.
By Tom Metcalfe
Math
More Stories in Math
- Math
Scientists Say: Logarithm
Think of this math function as just another way to solve equations involving exponents.
- Math
Fractals describe patterns hidden all around us
Over the last 50 years, fractals have challenged ideas about geometry and pushed math, science and technology into unexpected areas.
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- Physics
Comb-like wings help the tiniest insects swim through ‘syrupy’ air
When you're the size of a grain of sand, flying through air is like swimming through a syrup. Bristled wings help the tiniest insects manage this.
- Plants
Physics explains how rose petals get their iconic shape
Scientists thought they knew what was behind rose petals’ geometry. They were wrong.
- Math
Scientists Say: Quantitative and Qualitative
These two research approaches collect different forms of data. Both help scientists unlock secrets and build knowledge.
- Math
Experiment: M&M’S geometry
The amount of candy in an M&M’S bag is never enough, but just how much is it? Let’s find out which geometric formula gives the best estimate.
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- Math
Meet one of the ‘world’s most interesting’ mathematicians
Angela Tabiri uses her enthusiasm for math to inspire young people — and to highlight African female mathematicians on a YouTube channel.
