Convex optimization

Can control theory make software better?Techniques used to ensure that airplanes won’t stall out in flight could be adapted to prove that computer programs won’t divide by zero.

After almost 20 years, math problem fallsMIT researchers’ answer to a major question in the field of optimization brings disappointing news — but there’s a silver lining.

More is lessComplex computer models can involve thousands of variables. But paradoxically, adding more variables can sometimes make them easier to work with.

Nonlinear thinkerWith techniques for translating complicated equations into ‘sums of squares,’ Pablo Parrilo helps make sense of previously insoluble problems.