Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, two Black college students from Louisiana, have made groundbreaking progress in mathematics, discovering nine additional solutions to the Pythagorean theorem through trigonometry. This follows their 2022 accomplishment of proving the theorem using trigonometric methods, once thought impossible.
In 2022, Jackson and Johnson demonstrated that trigonometry, which defines relationships among triangle sides and angles, can indeed prove the Pythagorean theorem. Traditionally, this approach was avoided due to the assumption that trigonometry itself relies on the theorem. However, on October 23, the American Mathematical Society confirmed the proof had passed peer review.
Now, the students are advancing their work, having identified four unique proofs and five additional methods using trigonometry. Johnson, studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University, expressed pride in the achievement, noting, “To have a paper published at such a young age, it’s really mind-blowing.” She hopes their success will inspire other young women, especially women of color, in math and science.
Using the Law of Sines, Jackson and Johnson bypassed circular reasoning, which had previously hindered trigonometric proofs. Jackson, studying pharmacology at Xavier University of Louisiana, shared, “I didn’t think it would go this far,” and was thrilled to be published.
The duo also illustrated two distinct trigonometric methods, utilizing functions of sine, cosine, and polynomial representations, marking a significant contribution to mathematical research. Their full paper, detailing all nine proofs, is now available to the public.
