16-year-old student conquered the century problem

A teenager solved the conundrum that genius Isaac Newton set out in the 17th century, a challenge that many veteran mathematicians in the world cannot overcome.

More than 300 years ago, the Newtonian asked the question: How can humans accurately calculate the trajectory of an object moving through the air? Objects moving in the air are affected by both gravity and air resistance, so calculating their orbit is extremely difficult. Countless mathematicians have tried to find solutions to Newton's problem over the past few centuries, but they have only found part of the answer.

Shouryya Ray, an Indian of Indian origin, became the first person to solve Newton's problem. The 16-year-old said he solved the problem during a project at the school, The Herald Sun reported.

Picture 1 of 16-year-old student conquered the century problem
Shouryya Ray always aspires to discover the infinite beauty of mathematics.

The school gave Shouryya a reward, while the German media called him a prodigy. However, Shouryya claims he is not a prodigy because he solved the problem with curiosity.

'When people tell us that Newton's problem has no answer, I think I don't lose anything if I try it,' Shouryya said.

4 years ago Shouryya's father found work in a technical college in Germany and the whole family moved there. Shouryya said that his father had told him to crave math. He taught him to do calculations when he was 6 years old.

Subhashis, Shouryya's father, said that his knowledge did not meet his son's need for mathematics.

'He never discusses assignments with me before doing the homework. Its mathematical solutions go beyond my knowledge , ' Subhashis said.

Newton's century problem belongs to the field of dynamics. Shouryya's answer will help scientists solve many challenges in the field that require high levels of precision - like ballistics.