IDKMYDE: 2000 Year Old Math Problem

Summary

The Breakfast Club - Episode Summary: "IDKMYDE: 2000 Year Old Math Problem"

Release Date: February 16, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, titled "IDKMYDE: 2000 Year Old Math Problem," the hosts delve into an inspiring story of youthful brilliance and cultural impact. Skipping over the usual advertisements and introductory segments, the episode centers around two extraordinary high school seniors who achieved a remarkable feat in the field of mathematics.

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The Breakthrough: Solving the Pythagorean Theorem with Trigonometry

At the heart of the episode is the remarkable accomplishment of Calcia Johnson and Nakia Jackson from St. Mary's Academy in New Orleans. As narrated by the host, Calcia and Nakia tackled a mathematical problem that had remained unsolved for two millennia—the Pythagorean Theorem—using advanced trigonometric methods.

Notable Quote:
"Calcia and Nakia were like, hold our calculators. They use something called the law of sines. Not like stop and yield, but sine and cosine. You remember that." ([02:30])

Despite the complexity traditionally associated with proving the theorem through trigonometry, the duo approached the problem with confidence and ingenuity, presenting their findings at a professional math conference—a stage typically reserved for seasoned academics with PhDs.

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The Students' Journey: From High School to STEM Pioneers

The narrative highlights the challenges Calcia and Nakia faced during their high school years, juxtaposing their academic pursuits with the typical teenage experiences of avoiding senioritis and navigating social dynamics. Their dedication to mathematics set them apart, leading to significant achievements that extended beyond their school years.

Notable Quote:
"They presented their work at a professional math conference. These are grown adults with PhDs. And Kelsey and Nakia just walked in like, what's up? Here's something y'all couldn't do in 2,000 years." ([04:15])

Fast forward to 2025, the girls have continued their trajectory in STEM, contributing to scholarly publications and ongoing research, embodying the potential unlocked through perseverance and passion.

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Cultural Impact: Empowering Black Youth in Science and Innovation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the broader cultural implications of Calcia and Nakia's achievements. The host emphasizes the historical underrepresentation of Black individuals in scientific fields and how these young women are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.

Notable Quote:
"Historically, people haven't given black folks their flowers when it comes to science and innovation. These girls kicked that door open and said, we belong here." ([04:55])

By excelling in a traditionally underserved area, Calcia and Nakia serve as role models, inspiring young Black students to pursue their interests in STEM without limitations.

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Conclusion: A Testament to Possibility and Dreaming Big

The episode wraps up by celebrating the accomplishments of Calcia Johnson and Nakia Jackson, framing their success as a beacon of what is achievable when young minds are encouraged to explore and innovate. The host reiterates the importance of nurturing curiosity and providing resources to the next generation of thinkers.

Notable Quote:
"They didn't just solve an equation. They reminded all of us what's possible when we dream big. So if you got kids, tell them to pick up a calculator. You never know, your little one could be out here solving 3000 year old problems next." ([05:10])

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Final Thoughts

"IDKMYDE: 2000 Year Old Math Problem" is a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of youth when given the opportunity to shine. Through the lens of Calcia and Nakia's story, The Breakfast Club underscores the vital intersection of education, representation, and empowerment in shaping a brighter future.

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This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions and insights while incorporating notable quotes with appropriate timestamps to enhance engagement and understanding.

Transcript

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[Witness]

It actually rotated around our house, looking as if it was peering in each window of our home.

[Gabe Leonors]

I'm Gabe Leonors from Imagine I Heart Podcasts and Leonard's Entertainment. Listen to Obscurum Invasion of the Drones wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

[Caroline D'Amore]

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Los Angeles, 2021. A friendly neighbor appears out of nowhere and promises to make all my dreams come true.

[Commentator]

Let's not forget that David Bloom was a professional con artist, so you didn't stand a chance.

[Caroline D'Amore]

But my dreams soon turned into a Nightmare. I'm Caroline D'Amore. Listen as I take down my scammer on Once Upon a con on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Martin Luther King III]

Welcome to My Legacy. I'm Martin Luther King iii, and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends Mark and Craig Kilburger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives.

[Jess Hilarious]

Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter.

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Listen to my legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator]

This is my legacy on today's episode. If I didn't know, maybe you didn't either. Let's talk about some real BGM black girl magic. Two high schoolers, yes, high schoolers, just casually strolled into a math class and solved a math problem that's been chilling unsolved for 2,000 years. They just like, yeah, we got this. Meet Calcia Johnson and Nakia Jackson from New Orleans. These two were seniors at St. Mary's Academy back in 2022. Now, while most of us were out here just trying to survive senior year, avoid senioritis, and go to a senior skip day without getting in trouble, these two were out here solving the Pythagorean Theorem with trigonometry. Now, I know you probably can't spell Pythagorean theorem, let alone remember what it was, but it's the rule about triangles. A squared plus B squared equals C squared. You know, basically saying if you got a right angled triangle, the two short sides add up to the long side. Simple, right? Well, we learned that in geometry. Turns out proving it in trigonometry was considered impossible. Like, yes, we can land on the moon. And yes, if I'm talking to my wife about dish detergent. As soon as I open up my social media, dish detergent ads will be in my algorithm. But this solving the Pythagorean theorem using trigonometry? Nah, that's too difficult. But Calcia and Nakia were like, hold our calculators. They use something called the law of sines. Not like stop and yield, but sine and cosine. You remember that. Now, I'm not gonna bore you with math because I put myself to sleep. So let me break it down to you like I'm breaking it down to a five year old or somebody who got the brain capacity of coal in. Imagine you got a Lego triangle. The Pythagorean theorem is like saying, if I count the Legos on this side and this side, they'll match the Legos on the long side. Easy. But to prove it with trigonometry is like building a whole triangle with no instructions and still having it turn out perfect. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to put my daughter's desk together for Christmas. I got four screws left over, and I think I put the LED lights on backwards. Dig this. These two teenagers presented their work at a professional math conference. These are grown adults with PhDs. And Kelsiya and Nakia just walked in like, what's up? Here's something y'all couldn't do in 2,000 years. And yeah, we 17. Now fast forward to 2025. These girls are still killing it. They're in STEM programs now, publishing math papers. I mean, what were you doing at 17, 18 years old? Personally, I was a felon just trying to graduate high school on a journey to be the best car hop Sonic has ever seen. But let's talk about how big this is for black culture. Historically, people haven't given black folks their flowers when it comes to science and innovation. These girls kicked that door open and said, we belong here. In the words of Aaliyah, age ain't nothing but a number. They showing everyone that black kids don't just play ball or rap. We can Change the freaking world. So shout out to Kelsey and Nakia. They proved that math is for us too. And they didn't just solve an equation. They reminded all of us what's possible when we dream big. So if you got kids, tell them to pick up a calculator. You never know, your little one could be out here solving 3000 year old problems next. And I didn't know. Maybe you didn't either.

[Gabe Leonors]

What would you do if mysterious drones appeared over your hometown? I started asking questions. What do you remember happening on that night of December 16th?

[Witness]

It actually rotated around our house, looking as if it was peering in each window of our home.

[Gabe Leonors]

I'm Gabe Lehners from Imagine I Heart Podcasts and Leonhars Entertainment. Listen to Obscurum, Invasion of the Drones wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

[Caroline D'Amore]

Why would you do that to me?

Los Angeles, 2021. A friendly neighbor appears out of nowhere and promises to make all my dreams come true.

[Commentator]

Let's not forget that David Bloom was a professional con artist, so you didn't stand a chance.

[Caroline D'Amore]

But my dreams soon turned into a Nightmare. I'm Caroline D'Amore. Listen as I take down my scammer on Once Upon a con on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Martin Luther King III]

Welcome to My Legacy. I'm Martin Luther King iii, and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our De, Mark and Craig Kilberger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives.

[Jess Hilarious]

Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter.

[Bose Advertiser]

Listen to my legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is my legacy.

[Jess Hilarious]

Yo, what up? It's your girl, Jess. Hilarious. And I think it's time to acknowledge that I'm not just a comedian. It's time to add uncertified therapists to my credentials. Because each and every Wednesday I'm fixing your mess. On Carefully Reckless on the Black Effect podcast Network. Got problems in your relationship? Come to me. Your best friend acting shady? Come to me. Thought you was the father but you not come to me. I can't promise I won't judge you, but I can guarantee that I will help you. Listen to Carefully Reckless on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.