wraggster
May 27th, 2012, 20:55
"A German 16-year-old, Shouryya Ra, solved two fundamental particle dynamic theories posed by Sir Isaac Newton (http://www.news.com.au/technology/german-teen-shouryya-ray-solves-300-year-old-mathematical-riddle-posed-by-sir-isaac-newton/story-e6frfro0-1226368490157#ixzz1w3LI5N1w), which until recently required the use of powerful computers. He worked out how to calculate exactly the path of a projectile under gravity and subject to air resistance. Shouryya solved the problem while working on a school project. From the article: 'Mr Ray won a research award for his efforts and has been labeled a genius by the German media, but he put it down to "curiosity and schoolboy naivety." "When it was explained to us that the problems had no solutions, I thought to myself, 'well, there's no harm in trying,'" he said.'"
http://science.slashdot.org/story/12/05/27/1219246/350-year-old-newtons-puzzle-solved-by-16-year-old
http://science.slashdot.org/story/12/05/27/1219246/350-year-old-newtons-puzzle-solved-by-16-year-old