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  1. Math

    Algebraic Hearts

    One of the marvels of mathematics is the way in which an austere equation can unexpectedly blossom into an appealing geometric shape when represented graphically. Cardioid. Picture of an algebraic heart. Gabriel Taubin A heart surface colored according to Gaussian curvature (left) and direction (right). Michael Trott/Wolfram Research A heart-y prime puzzle. Ed Pegg Jr. […]

    By Ivars Peterson
  2. Math

    Euler’s Homework

    Even the best and most prolific of mathematicians have had to do homework assignments. Famed Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707–1783) was no exception. Euler was only 14 years old when he was sent to the University of Basel in 1720 to study for the ministry. Not long after his arrival, he got himself introduced to […]

    By Ivars Peterson
  3. Math

    Sampling for Superclarity

    An audio compact disc (CD) holds up to 74 minutes, 33 seconds of music, just enough for a complete recording of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on one disc.