In a surprising turn of events, two high school seniors, Calsea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, have managed to prove a mathematical puzzle that was thought to be impossible for 2,000 years. Presented with a Pythagorean Theorem problem, the students at St Mary’s Academy in New Orleans took on the challenge and succeeded in finding a new proof using trigonometry, a feat that had only been accomplished once before in 200 years.
Their groundbreaking work garnered attention from around the world, with accolades pouring in from South Korea, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the governor of Louisiana. Despite their remarkable achievement, both girls remain humble and modest about their mathematical abilities, stating that they are not math geniuses.
This story, featured on “60 Minutes,” highlights the importance of high expectations and encouragement in education, showcasing the success of St Mary’s Academy in empowering young African-American women to achieve greatness. The students’ dedication to excellence and their drive to overcome challenges exemplify the spirit of the school’s Sisterhood philosophy. Their story serves as a reminder that with determination and support, anything is possible.
Watch the video by 60 Minutes
Video Transcript
About 60 Minutes
“60 Minutes,” the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen’s Top 10.
Video “Teens surprise math world with Pythagorean Theorem trigonometry proof | 60 Minutes” was uploaded on 05/06/2024 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes