US College Students Reveal 10 Groundbreaking Trigonometric Proofs of Pythagoras’ Theorem

Two US college students, Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson, have made waves in the mathematics community by uncovering ten new trigonometric proofs for Pythagoras’ theorem. Their breakthrough, published in American Mathematical Monthly, challenges centuries-old limitations in proving the theorem through trigonometry.

A Modern Twist on an Ancient Theorem

Pythagoras' theorem, known for the equation a2+b2=c2 has been proven many times with algebra and geometry, but not through trigonometry—until now. In 2022, while still high school students, Johnson and Jackson solved the problem without circular reasoning, an approach mathematicians previously considered unachievable.

Expanding Knowledge: Ten New Proofs

Building on their initial discovery, the duo devised five additional trigonometric proofs and unveiled a process yielding five more, totaling ten new proofs. Johnson and Jackson’s contributions have doubled the known approaches to Pythagoras’ theorem, bringing fresh insights to this foundational mathematical principle.

Impact on STEM and Future Aspirations

The students’ work is seen as an inspiration for future STEM generations, with Jackson sharing her excitement over increased interest in STEM. Editor Della Dumbaugh praised the journal’s role in highlighting their research, underscoring the importance of young voices in academia.

Though passionate about math, Jackson is studying pharmacy at Xavier University, and Johnson is pursuing environmental engineering at Louisiana State University—demonstrating the diverse career paths open to today’s young innovators.