In 1919, mathematician G.H. Hardy took a ride in a London cab, and little did he know that the licence plate number 1729 would become legendary in mathematical history. This iconic number is known as "taxicab number" because it's the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two cubes in two different ways: 1^3 + 12^3 = 9^3 + 10^3.
Fast forward to today, and this phenomenon has inspired the UK's first specialist maths secondary school, which will open in London next year. The 1729 Maths School aims to nurture top mathematical talent from an early age, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for students from underrepresented groups.
But what makes taxicab number so special? For starters, it's not just any ordinary number – it has a unique property that sets it apart from all other numbers. This peculiarity has led to the creation of "square pair" puzzles, where you're challenged to find the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two squares in two different ways.
Another puzzle has taken centre stage: arranging strips of wood to avoid forming a triangle. With the addition of a new strip, you must determine how many different lengths are possible for the seventh strip and what shape can be created using only these hypothetical extra strips.
In the world of mathematics, numbers like 1729 remind us that even in the most unexpected places, beauty and complexity lie waiting to be discovered. As we embark on our own mathematical adventures, may we uncover more secrets hidden beneath the surface, just like Hardy's legendary cab ride.
What's your take on taxicab number? Can you solve any of these puzzles? Let us know!
Fast forward to today, and this phenomenon has inspired the UK's first specialist maths secondary school, which will open in London next year. The 1729 Maths School aims to nurture top mathematical talent from an early age, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for students from underrepresented groups.
But what makes taxicab number so special? For starters, it's not just any ordinary number – it has a unique property that sets it apart from all other numbers. This peculiarity has led to the creation of "square pair" puzzles, where you're challenged to find the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two squares in two different ways.
Another puzzle has taken centre stage: arranging strips of wood to avoid forming a triangle. With the addition of a new strip, you must determine how many different lengths are possible for the seventh strip and what shape can be created using only these hypothetical extra strips.
In the world of mathematics, numbers like 1729 remind us that even in the most unexpected places, beauty and complexity lie waiting to be discovered. As we embark on our own mathematical adventures, may we uncover more secrets hidden beneath the surface, just like Hardy's legendary cab ride.
What's your take on taxicab number? Can you solve any of these puzzles? Let us know!
. I mean, what are the chances that some guy in a London cab stumbles upon a number with so many hidden patterns and codes? It's like he was meant to find it. And now we're building an entire school around it? Sounds like they want to brainwash our kids into thinking about math all day, every day 
. What if the government wants to control our minds through maths puzzles or something? I know it sounds crazy, but just think about it... 1729 is more than just a number, it's like a key to unlocking the truth 
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Like what even is a specialist maths secondary school?! It's literally the most genius thing I've heard all year. And taxicab number?! Mind blown, fam. That whole concept of it being expressed as two different cubes is just... wow. My brain hurts from trying to wrap my head around it lol.
And inclusivity and accessibility for underrepresented groups is literally the best part about this whole thing.
it's like math is trying to tell us somethin special about this num 
The idea of "square pair" puzzles and wood strip arrangements is actually pretty mind-blowing... I'm still tryin' to wrap my head around how you solve 'em 