In mathematics, how do you know when you have proven something? originally appeared on Quora: the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights.

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. David Bessis was drawn to mathematics for the same reason that many people are driven away: He didn’t understand how it worked. Unlike ...

Math exam questions should not try too hard to appear "realistic" by adding everyday-life stories, because students would ...

When I tell someone I am a mathematician, one of the most curious common reactions is: “I really liked math class because everything was either right or wrong. There is no ambiguity or doubt.” I ...

You can probably think of a time when you’ve used math to solve an everyday problem, such as calculating a tip at a restaurant or determining the square footage of a room. But what role does math play ...