Math

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- Math
Meet the newest additions to the metric system
The metric system just got its first update in 30 years. New prefixes will help scientists interpret the biggest — and smallest — numbers.
- Math
Scientists Say: Mean, median and mode
Mean, median and mode are all different ways to describe the middle value in a dataset.
- Math
Let’s learn about dealing with math anxiety
Writing about math anxiety and maintaining a “growth mindset” can help soothe stress about the subject.
- Math
Scientists Say: Variable
A variable is something that can be changed — such as a value in math, or a factor in an experiment.
- Math
Scientists Say: Equation
An equation states that two groups of numbers or variables are equal to each other.
- Math
Let’s learn about pi
It’s not just an excuse to eat pastries. This number helps describe everything from the smallest particles to planets orbiting other stars.
- Physics
Why some icicles become scallops not spikes
The newfound — and at times quirky — shapes reflect the density of water surrounding submerged ice.
- Math
Scientists Say: Geometry
Geometry is math that allows people to measure, analyze and compare figures in space.
- Life
From icebergs to smoke, forecasting where dangers will drift
Smoke drifts. Fish eggs float downstream. Where such drifting things end up may seem a mystery. But research can predict where they’ll end up.
- Animals
Endangered or just rare? Statistics give meaning to the head counts
Whether studying tiny birds or massive whales, researchers collect a lot of data. The field of statistics helps them make sense of those data.
- Math
Scientists Say: Pi
Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. But some mathematicians say life would be easier if we used a different ratio instead.
- Math
Explainer: What is statistics?
Scientists use statistics to design studies, analyze data and evaluate uncertainty. You’ll find it in biology, climate change, medicine and more.