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The amazing world of Maths

A wildly simple new way to solve quadratic equations has been devised

A wildly simple new way to solve quadratic equations has been devised

January 10, 2020

In a recent article "A Simple Proof of the Quadratic Formula", professor Po-Shen Loh, provides a new proof of the quadratic formula, which also produces an easier and natural method for solving general quadratic equations that has the potential to demystify quadratic equations for students worldwide.

It's surprising how such an easier method remained almost entirely hidden for thousands of years, but if Loh's instincts are right, maths textbooks could be on the verge of a historic rewriting - and we don't take textbook-changing discoveries lightly.

Bees have brains for basic math, study finds

Bees have brains for basic math, study finds

February 6, 2019

Researchers have found bees can do basic mathematics, in a discovery that expands our understanding of the relationship between brain size and brain power. Building on their finding that honeybees can understand the concept of zero, Australian and French researchers set out to test whether bees could perform arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction.

The revelation that even the miniature brain of a honeybee can grasp basic mathematical operations has implications for the future development of Artificial Intelligence, particularly in improving rapid learning.

Mathematical model offers new strategies to prevent urban burglary

Mathematical model offers new strategies to prevent urban burglary

December 6, 2018

As with most crime, the highest rates of burglary occur in urban communities since large metropolitan areas generally boast more concentrated wealth. Existing mathematical models typically examine burglaries in residential, suburban environments, where similarly-structured houses with predictable lattice alignments are hotspots for repeated criminal activity. These models suggest that residential burglars prefer revisiting previously-burgled houses, or those with similar architecture, because they are already familiar with layout, security features, and availability of goods.

A new approach has been presented based on a nonlinear model of urban burglary dynamics that accounts for the deterring effect of police presence. The new model emphasizes timing of criminal activity rather than spatial spreading and location.

Computer model successfully trained to identify animals in photos

Computer model successfully trained to identify animals in photos

November 28, 2018

A computer model developed at the University of Wyoming has demonstrated remarkable accuracy and efficiency in identifying images of wild animals from camera-trap photographs in North America.

The artificial-intelligence breakthrough, is described as a significant advancement in the study and conservation of wildlife. The computer model is now freely available in a software package, allowing users to train their own machine learning models using images from new datasets.

Linear Algebra application to Artificial Intelligence

Linear Algebra application to Artificial Intelligence

November 1, 2018

Linear algebra is a key subject to succeed in the field of Artificial Intelligence, was the first tip given by Dr Legg, co-founder of Artificial Intelligence firm DeepMind, to Aron Chase, a teenager from London passionate about AI. DeepMind is considered by many to be at the cutting-edge of AI research.