The Joy of Why
The Joy of Why
Steven Strogatz, Janna Levin and Quanta Magazine
How Do Mathematicians Know Their Proofs Are Correct?
28 minutes Posted Jul 13, 2022 at 4:00 am.
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Just as scientists test hypotheses, mathematicians prove or disprove conjectures. But what makes a proof stronger than a guess? What does evidence look like in the world of mathematics? Hear Melanie Matchett Wood, professor of mathematics at Harvard University, explain how probability helps to guide number theorists toward certainty.