number theory

Can You See Through These Illusions?

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Optical illusions and puzzles share overlapping vibes. Mental trickery, ‘aha’ moments, cross-eyed frustration. Did you know that the Neural Correlate Society holds an annual contest for the Best Illusion of the Year? This year’s winner created a LEGO model of Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾, complete with a seemingly permeable brick wall: What Inspired Dominic … Read more

A New Proof Strikes the Needle on a Sticky Geometry Downside

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The unique model of this story appeared in Quanta Journal. In 1917, the Japanese mathematician Sōichi Kakeya posed what at first appeared like nothing greater than a enjoyable train in geometry. Lay an infinitely skinny, inch-long needle on a flat floor, then rotate it in order that it factors in each path in flip. What’s … Read more