Geometric Epiphanies
A road trip contemplation about prime numbers leads to a family mathematical discovery—complete with teenage fact-checking and a triumphant 'Eureka!' moment at the dinner table
When I reached home the next evening, I was rather excitedly sharing this insight with my two teenagers. To my consternation, when describing and illustrating the epiphany, the older teenager pointed out that my formula for exponents did not work for a base of 3, i.e. 3^3 (27) does NOT equal 3^2 (9) + 3^2 (9). Working together, we corrected the algorithm, tested it, and loudly celebrated our triumph, to the dismay of the others in the house who were settling in for the night's rest.
