New Proof of Pythagorean Theorem Discovered by Two High School Girls in Louisiana

DEDICATED TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

A New Proof of Pythagorean Theorem  Discovered by Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson  – two high school girls in Louisiana

by Tagline of Mathematics Club of Science Circle

In 2022, two high school students in New Orleans, Louisiana, discovered a new proof of the well-known, Pythagorean Theorem  that equates the square of the hypotenuse  c   of any RIGHT TRIANGLE    ◺abc   to the sum of the square of each shorter sides, a, b

Historically, most mathematicians have argued that any attempt to prove Pythagorean Theorem based on trigonometry would necessarily employ circular reasoning because trigonometry is a calculus for the RIGHT TRIANGLE based on Pythagorean Theorem.  However, Ms. Johnson and Ms. Jackson used the LAW OF SINES  which is easily proven independently of Pythagorean Theorem or its consequences.

Were Pythagoras of Samos (circa 570 BCE – 495 BCE) reincarnated and alive today, and either Ms. Jackson or Ms. Johnson told him of her proof, he would probably insist:

“DON’T TELL ANYONE ABOUT THIS!”

The Pythagorean School was rather CULT-LIKE and secretive, considering their beliefs in reincarnation and mathematical discoveries to be sacred, esoteric knowledge. However, in this presentation, I will take you for a friendly walk through the steps of the proof, while avoiding tedium as much as possible.

So I will share with you how the girls did this remarkable proof!

The proof is of aesthetically beautiful conception and aside from high level language skills, their work cleverly draws on knowledge of all basic High School mathematics:  geometry, algebra, TRIGONOMETRY and geometric series – it seems an achievement of WHOLE BRAIN thinking or at least “both left- and right- brain thinking”. We will also discuss the perishable resource of talented, inventive young minds and the vital importance of quality education, fair opportunity and encouragement for ALL young people.