Schoolboy from Rostov solves the math problem of Pappus of Alexandria

11th grader from Rostov-on-Don Makar Volkov has solved a world-known math problem of the ancient Greek mathematician Pappus of Alexandria, Russian Newspaper informs.

According to the candidate of physical-mathematical sciences from Southern Federal University Mikhail Gurov who teaches Makar and other talented children in the local Training Center, many famous scientists from all over the world were trying to solve the problem, but the solution came from a schoolboy. Makar has won the World Contest of Scientific and Engineering Achievements of Schoolchildren in Los Angeles ISEF 2017. Teachers have noted his mathematical skills and sent him to the center.

Makar have been searching for the solution of this problem together with his teacher for several years. Many scientists were trying to solve it for thousand years, it was offered even to the computer, eventually it was decided that the problem has no solution at all.
Mikhail Gurov has commented that here is a very good mathematic school in town, where world-famous scientists work. Children study various subjects free of charge out of the budget means in the center. Children come from all over the region to this center; video lessons are arranged if necessary.

Makar has already made a choice of his further profession and entered Lomonosov Moscow State University this autumn. He studies at the department of computing mathematics.

Russkiy Mir