Louisiana students Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson amazed their teachers in 2022 by uncovering a new approach to proving the Pythagorean theorem, a challenge left unsolved for over 2,000 years. Their discovery, initially made in response to a high school math contest bonus question, soon led to wider recognition. Encouraged by a volunteer from their former school, St. Mary’s Academy, Jackson and Johnson presented their work at the American Mathematical Society’s Southeastern Sectional conference in 2023, making them the youngest presenters there. This appearance brought significant media attention, including an appearance on “60 Minutes” and recognition from Michelle Obama, along with symbolic keys to the city of New Orleans.
The duo’s work culminated in an academic paper published in the American Mathematical Monthly, detailing 10 unique proofs for the Pythagorean theorem, with five using trigonometry. “I’m so surprised that we’re getting published in a paper at such a young age,” Johnson, now studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University, shared in a video statement. Jackson, who is pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy at Xavier University, echoed the sentiment: “I didn’t think it would go this far.”
Pythagoras' theorem, traditionally represented as a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2a2+b2=c2, is a fundamental concept for calculating the sides of a right triangle. Mathematicians have historically proven it through algebra and geometry, but Jackson and Johnson achieved a trigonometric proof—a particularly challenging feat, as trigonometry relies on Pythagorean principles, often resulting in circular logic. Their approach, however, avoids this trap, as they stated, “None of the theorems we use in our proofs…have already assumed the Pythagorean theorem to be true.”
Experts commended their fresh perspective. “A lot of people thought it was impossible,” noted Tom Murdoch, honorary professor at the University of Bristol, adding, “They found a line of argument using sine and cosine that doesn’t assume Pythagoras is true.”
Their journey to publication, completed as they began college, was “the most daunting task of all,” requiring peer review from leading scientists. Johnson expressed pride in their achievement, hoping to inspire other young women, especially women of color, by demonstrating “they are able to do whatever they want.”
Link: CNN
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