The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Calculus is a powerful mathematical tool. But for hundreds of years after its invention in the 17th century, it stood on a shaky ...

\sum_{i=1}^n v_i \frac{\partial}{\partial x_i} \right) f + b \left( \sum_{i=1}^n v_i \frac{\partial}{\partial x_i} \right) f}{\partial x_i} g + \sum_{i=1}^n v_i f ...

In the late 19th century, Karl Weierstrass invented a fractal-like function that was decried as nothing less than a “deplorable evil.” In time, it would transform the foundations of mathematics.

As an immigrant, I hate to see my chosen team (America) dissed by know-nothings. The views of the governor of Pennsylvania, after an Eagles-Vikings playoff game in Philadelphia was postponed because ...