In a groundbreaking achievement, two high school seniors from New Orleans, Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, challenged the mathematical community by proving the Pythagorean Theorem using trigonometry, something once considered impossible.
The journey began with a bonus question on a math contest at St. Mary’s High School. Their discovery not only captivated mathematicians but also garnered significant media attention, earning them a feature on CBS’s “60 Minutes.”
Traditionally, this theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse in a right triangle equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides, had resisted trigonometric proof due to perceived circular logic. However, the duo ingeniously applied trigonometric principles, demonstrating that smaller, similar right triangles could be used recursively to establish the theorem.
As their story gained traction, it brought them to the attention of prominent figures, including a commendatory social media post from Michelle Obama. Following their success, both students transitioned to prestigious universities. Johnson enrolled at Louisiana State University, pursuing environmental engineering, while Jackson joined Xavier University of Louisiana’s pharmacy program.
We applaud Calcea’s and Ne’Kiya’s accomplishments. Math is Bespoke’s largest academic tutoring subject. So far this year, students have worked with tutors for more than 1,000 hours in total to level up their math game. Going beyond the lesson book or assignment, tutors approach every study/practice session as an opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills, encourage creativity, and build confidence.
Check out the complete interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes.”
