The Four Color Theorem

Four Color Theorem: US Map and 4 Crayons

If you have a coloring book with a map that includes all the US states, how many different colors would you need in order to color all the states to make sure that the same color never touches itself? The four color theorem states that in a given plane, the regions can be colored using at most 4 colors so that no two adjacent regions (or states that share a border) have the same color.  This theorem was proven in 1976 and was one of the first major theorems to be proven using a computer.

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Quote Of The Day

"It should be evident that each step in my career has rested on a firm foundation in mathematics. For me, the study of mathematics was the key that opened the doors to the universe."

— Robert L. Stewart

NASA Astronaut

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$160,780/yr
$118,130/yr
Cryptanalyst
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Attorney
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Physician
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Figures represent salary potential.

28
Jul

Here's an interesting story of a girl in Michigan with Grapheme-Color Synesthesia. In other words, she visualizes each digit, zero through nine, as a different color.

For her, and others with the same condition, it adds a new splash to math work.

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