May 7th 2024.
In a bustling city like New Orleans, two teenage girls made a remarkable achievement last year by discovering new proofs for Pythagorean's Theorem. Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson, both seniors at St. Mary's Academy, a Catholic school for young Black women, joined a math contest with a cash prize of $500 and bragging rights. This contest was not just any ordinary math competition, as it challenged the students to find a brand new proof for the age-old theorem.
When asked about their motivation to participate, Jackson admitted that the cash reward was definitely a driving factor. After all, $500 is a significant amount for any high school student. Johnson added that she wanted to at least give it a try, considering the attractive incentive. The students were given some initial prompts, but the rest was up to their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Both Johnson and Jackson were familiar with the concept of a² + b² = c², but the challenge was to come up with a proof using only trigonometry. This seemed like an almost impossible task, especially with their limited knowledge of the subject. However, they were determined to take on this challenge and prove their potential.
Johnson expressed, "I had started something, and I needed to finish it." With this mindset, the girls spent two months during the fall/winter semester working tirelessly on their proof. By December 2022, they were able to join the ranks of renowned mathematician Jason Zimba, who had also developed a proof using trigonometry in 2009.
These young scholars never considered themselves to be math geniuses, but their hard work and dedication paid off when they received global recognition for their achievement. They submitted their proofs to an American Mathematical Society conference in Atlanta in March 2023 and received immense praise from all over the world.
Their work was acknowledged in South Korea, and former first lady Michelle Obama even gave them a shout-out. They were also commended by the governor and awarded the keys to the city of New Orleans. When asked about the reason behind their worldwide recognition, Jackson believes that their race, gender, and age played a significant role. She added, "Probably because we're African American and women, and of course, our age probably played a big part."
However, both girls hope to be celebrated for their mathematical achievement rather than their personal identities. Jackson, who is currently on a full scholarship in the pharmacy school at Xavier University, believes that this recognition should be for their remarkable accomplishment in the field of mathematics.
Johnson, on the other hand, is studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University and was also the class valedictorian. These two young women have set an inspiring example for future generations and have proven that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
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