Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson are two remarkable young mathematicians from New Orleans who, while still in high school, achieved a groundbreaking feat in mathematics. In 2022, as seniors at St. Mary’s Academy—a historically Black Catholic school—they developed a trigonometric proof of the Pythagorean theorem, a task long considered impossible by many in the mathematical community.
Breaking Mathematical Barriers
The Pythagorean theorem, fundamental in geometry, has numerous proofs using algebra and geometry. However, trigonometric proofs were deemed circular since trigonometry often relies on the theorem itself. Undeterred, Johnson and Jackson utilized the Law of Sines—a trigonometric principle independent of the Pythagorean theorem—to construct their proof, thereby avoiding circular reasoning.
Academic Recognition
Their initial proof garnered attention, leading them to present their work at the American Mathematical Society’s Southeastern Sectional Meeting in March 2023. Building on their success, they developed additional proofs, culminating in the publication of their paper, “Five or Ten New Proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem,” in the October 2024 issue of The American Mathematical Monthly.
Current Endeavors
- Ne’Kiya Jackson: Pursuing a doctoral degree in pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana.
- Calcea Johnson: Studying environmental engineering at Louisiana State University’s Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College.
Their achievements not only contribute to mathematical discourse but also serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that significant academic contributions can come from young scholars.
