Proposals
Below are some proposals for talks from the past (and current). By clicking on the ID number, more details are shown. By default, these are sorted chronologically (recent first) and by then by last name. The data can be sorted by alternate means by using the links at the top right, each allowing ascending or descending orders.
Displaying 121-140 of 471 results.
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ID:
302
Year: 2010
Name: Matthew Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Starting a Math Colloquium: Experiences from Loras College
Abstract: Also presenting: Angela Kohlhass (Loras College). In this talk, the speakers will describe their experiences initiating and maintaining the Loras College half of the Bi-State Mathematics Colloquium. The BSMC is a partnership between the math departments of UW-Platteville and Loras College and is in its second year. The Loras talks provide a venue for Loras math students and faculty to hear from mathematicians in the region surrounding Loras College on a biweekly basis. Topics that will be addressed in this talk include finding speakers, getting students to attend, establishing regional buy-in, and the issues that we have yet to resolve.
Year: 2010
Name: Matthew Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Starting a Math Colloquium: Experiences from Loras College
Abstract: Also presenting: Angela Kohlhass (Loras College). In this talk, the speakers will describe their experiences initiating and maintaining the Loras College half of the Bi-State Mathematics Colloquium. The BSMC is a partnership between the math departments of UW-Platteville and Loras College and is in its second year. The Loras talks provide a venue for Loras math students and faculty to hear from mathematicians in the region surrounding Loras College on a biweekly basis. Topics that will be addressed in this talk include finding speakers, getting students to attend, establishing regional buy-in, and the issues that we have yet to resolve.
ID:
328
Year: 2012
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Introductory Stats, Teaching with Technology
Title of Talk: Writing WeBWorK questions for Introductory Statistics
Abstract: WeBWorK is an Open-Source online homework system for Mathematics. The Open Problem Library contains many usable questions for Introductory Statistics. In this talk, I will discuss the current procedures for writing questions for Statistics and what improvements I have accomplished to simplify writing questions.
Year: 2012
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Introductory Stats, Teaching with Technology
Title of Talk: Writing WeBWorK questions for Introductory Statistics
Abstract: WeBWorK is an Open-Source online homework system for Mathematics. The Open Problem Library contains many usable questions for Introductory Statistics. In this talk, I will discuss the current procedures for writing questions for Statistics and what improvements I have accomplished to simplify writing questions.
ID:
374
Year: 2013
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Smartpens to Aid Student Learning
Abstract: Smartpens store writing and audio in a digital format that can be converted into various formats. In this talk, I will be discussing how I have used a smartpen to provide students with a variety of aids for learning Mathematics. All with relatively low overhead for the instructor.
Year: 2013
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Teaching
Title of Talk: Using Smartpens to Aid Student Learning
Abstract: Smartpens store writing and audio in a digital format that can be converted into various formats. In this talk, I will be discussing how I have used a smartpen to provide students with a variety of aids for learning Mathematics. All with relatively low overhead for the instructor.
ID:
408
Year: 2014
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Adding Context to Calculus
Abstract: This semester in Calculus I, my students have been doing weekly assignments to help provide them with context for the mathematics they are learning in the rest of the course. These assignments have investigated connections to historical and present day developments in mathematics, as well as to the utility of calculus for problem-solving in students' current lives and future careers. I will discuss what assignments I have done/will do and how students have responded to them.
Year: 2014
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Adding Context to Calculus
Abstract: This semester in Calculus I, my students have been doing weekly assignments to help provide them with context for the mathematics they are learning in the rest of the course. These assignments have investigated connections to historical and present day developments in mathematics, as well as to the utility of calculus for problem-solving in students' current lives and future careers. I will discuss what assignments I have done/will do and how students have responded to them.
ID:
423
Year: 2015
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Sports Analytics
Title of Talk: Another College Football Ranking
Abstract: Anyone who has followed D1A college football in the last two decades is aware that there computer rankings and probably has opinions on them. In this talk we will discuss my ranking which is a tweak of the Colley Matrix method, one of the former BCS rankings. My ranking uses a little bit of discrete probability, linear algebra, graph theory, and stochastic systems to arrive at its results.
Year: 2015
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Sports Analytics
Title of Talk: Another College Football Ranking
Abstract: Anyone who has followed D1A college football in the last two decades is aware that there computer rankings and probably has opinions on them. In this talk we will discuss my ranking which is a tweak of the Colley Matrix method, one of the former BCS rankings. My ranking uses a little bit of discrete probability, linear algebra, graph theory, and stochastic systems to arrive at its results.
ID:
461
Year: 2016
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sports Analytics in Lower Level Courses
Abstract: I'll provide examples from baseball and basketball of sports analytics problems I have done in lower level classes, from College Algebra to Calculus II.
Year: 2016
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Sports Analytics in Lower Level Courses
Abstract: I'll provide examples from baseball and basketball of sports analytics problems I have done in lower level classes, from College Algebra to Calculus II.
ID:
483
Year: 2017
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Linear Algebra, Sports Analytics, Computing
Title of Talk: Ranking teams, predicting outcomes, tuning parameters and getting stuck
Abstract: I have been ranking sports for the last couple years, using a combination of a Markov Chain for determining the quality of a win based on the margin of victory, and a Markov Chain for aggregating results across the network of games. From this information, I've started predicting the outcome of games, however, this raises an interesting eigenvector problem that I have yet to solve. In this talk, I'll describe my rankings, give some rankings/predictions, describe the problems I've run into, and describe the future plans for improving my rankings.
Year: 2017
Name: Matt Rissler
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Linear Algebra, Sports Analytics, Computing
Title of Talk: Ranking teams, predicting outcomes, tuning parameters and getting stuck
Abstract: I have been ranking sports for the last couple years, using a combination of a Markov Chain for determining the quality of a win based on the margin of victory, and a Markov Chain for aggregating results across the network of games. From this information, I've started predicting the outcome of games, however, this raises an interesting eigenvector problem that I have yet to solve. In this talk, I'll describe my rankings, give some rankings/predictions, describe the problems I've run into, and describe the future plans for improving my rankings.
ID:
532
Year: 2019
Name: Michael Rieck
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Elliptic curves, algebraic geometry, projective geometry
Title of Talk: Elliptic Curves and the Perspective 3-Point Problem
Abstract: The Perspective-Three-Point Problem (P3P), a camera tracking problem, is solved by first focusing on determining the directions of the lines through pairs of control points, relative to the camera, rather than the distances from the camera to the control points. The analysis of this produces an efficient, accurate and reasonably simple P3P solver, which has been compared with a state-of-the-art P3P solver. However, the principal value of the present work is not in introducing yet another P3P solver, but lies rather in the discovery of an intimate connection between the P3P problem and a special family of elliptic curves that includes curves utilized in cryptography. This holds the potential for further advances in a number of directions. To make this connection, an interesting spherical analogue of an ancient “sliding” problem is stated and solved.
Year: 2019
Name: Michael Rieck
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): Elliptic curves, algebraic geometry, projective geometry
Title of Talk: Elliptic Curves and the Perspective 3-Point Problem
Abstract: The Perspective-Three-Point Problem (P3P), a camera tracking problem, is solved by first focusing on determining the directions of the lines through pairs of control points, relative to the camera, rather than the distances from the camera to the control points. The analysis of this produces an efficient, accurate and reasonably simple P3P solver, which has been compared with a state-of-the-art P3P solver. However, the principal value of the present work is not in introducing yet another P3P solver, but lies rather in the discovery of an intimate connection between the P3P problem and a special family of elliptic curves that includes curves utilized in cryptography. This holds the potential for further advances in a number of directions. To make this connection, an interesting spherical analogue of an ancient “sliding” problem is stated and solved.
ID:
125
Year: 2005
Name: Michael Rieck
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): special functions
Title of Talk: A Multiple Integral of a Piecewise Algebraic Function.
Abstract: Fix r>0. Let (x_0, y_0) and (x_n, y_n) be fixed and a distance r apart. Consider the set of all points ( x_1, y_1, x_2, y_2,..., x_{n-1}, y_{n-1} ) in Euclidean (2n-2)-space for which the distance in the plane between (x_{j-1}, y_{j-1}) and (x_j, y_j) never exceeds one (j=1,...,n). The hyper-volume of this set of points in (2n-2)-space can clearly be expressed as a multiple integral, integrating over 2n-2 dimensions, a function that is 1 on the set, but 0 off of the set. Surprisingly, it can also be expressed as a multiple integral over n-1 dimensions, of a piece-wise algebraic function.
Year: 2005
Name: Michael Rieck
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): special functions
Title of Talk: A Multiple Integral of a Piecewise Algebraic Function.
Abstract: Fix r>0. Let (x_0, y_0) and (x_n, y_n) be fixed and a distance r apart. Consider the set of all points ( x_1, y_1, x_2, y_2,..., x_{n-1}, y_{n-1} ) in Euclidean (2n-2)-space for which the distance in the plane between (x_{j-1}, y_{j-1}) and (x_j, y_j) never exceeds one (j=1,...,n). The hyper-volume of this set of points in (2n-2)-space can clearly be expressed as a multiple integral, integrating over 2n-2 dimensions, a function that is 1 on the set, but 0 off of the set. Surprisingly, it can also be expressed as a multiple integral over n-1 dimensions, of a piece-wise algebraic function.
ID:
432
Year: 2015
Name: Dave Richeson
Institution: Dickinson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Four Problems of Antiquity
Abstract: We discuss the history of four of the most famous problems in mathematics-the so-called problems of antiquity: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and constructing regular n-gons. We know the outcome-that they are all impossible to solve using compass and straightedge. But there is a long and fascinating history of mathematicians' attempts to solve the problems using the Euclidean tools and their success at solving them by other means (using marked straightedges, conic sections, transcendental curves, and mechanical devices). Like all great mathematical problems, they pushed mathematics forward.
Year: 2015
Name: Dave Richeson
Institution: Dickinson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: The Four Problems of Antiquity
Abstract: We discuss the history of four of the most famous problems in mathematics-the so-called problems of antiquity: squaring the circle, trisecting the angle, doubling the cube, and constructing regular n-gons. We know the outcome-that they are all impossible to solve using compass and straightedge. But there is a long and fascinating history of mathematicians' attempts to solve the problems using the Euclidean tools and their success at solving them by other means (using marked straightedges, conic sections, transcendental curves, and mechanical devices). Like all great mathematical problems, they pushed mathematics forward.
ID:
370
Year: 2013
Name: Dave Renfro
Institution: ACT, Inc.
Subject area(s): real analysis
Title of Talk: The Upper and Lower Limits of a Function and Semicontinuous Functions
Abstract: A function is continuous on an interval exactly when the function agrees with its "limit function" on the interval, by which we mean the limit (when it exists) of the function at each point. In looking at some examples, we find that limit functions tend to be nicely behaved even when the functions are not. For example, Thomae's function is continuous on a dense set of points and discontinuous on a dense set of points, and yet its limit function is a constant function (identically equal to 0). Of course, the limit function of a function is not always defined, but by considering upper and lower limits (limsup and liminf), we get the upper and lower limit functions of a function. These also tend to be nicely behaved, as is illustrated by the characteristic function of the rationals (discontinuous at every point), whose upper and lower limit functions are constant functions. We will investigate how badly behaved the upper and lower limit functions of a function can be. This will lead to an investigation of semicontinuous functions, which are amazingly ubiquitously omnipresent throughout pure and applied mathematics. This talk should be accessible to most undergraduate math majors, although there will likely be aspects of it that are unfamiliar to nonexperts.
Year: 2013
Name: Dave Renfro
Institution: ACT, Inc.
Subject area(s): real analysis
Title of Talk: The Upper and Lower Limits of a Function and Semicontinuous Functions
Abstract: A function is continuous on an interval exactly when the function agrees with its "limit function" on the interval, by which we mean the limit (when it exists) of the function at each point. In looking at some examples, we find that limit functions tend to be nicely behaved even when the functions are not. For example, Thomae's function is continuous on a dense set of points and discontinuous on a dense set of points, and yet its limit function is a constant function (identically equal to 0). Of course, the limit function of a function is not always defined, but by considering upper and lower limits (limsup and liminf), we get the upper and lower limit functions of a function. These also tend to be nicely behaved, as is illustrated by the characteristic function of the rationals (discontinuous at every point), whose upper and lower limit functions are constant functions. We will investigate how badly behaved the upper and lower limit functions of a function can be. This will lead to an investigation of semicontinuous functions, which are amazingly ubiquitously omnipresent throughout pure and applied mathematics. This talk should be accessible to most undergraduate math majors, although there will likely be aspects of it that are unfamiliar to nonexperts.
ID:
371
Year: 2013
Name: Dave Renfro
Institution: ACT, Inc.
Subject area(s): real analysis
Title of Talk: The Upper and Lower Limits of a Function and Semicontinuous Functions
Abstract: A function is continuous on an interval exactly when the function agrees with its "limit function" on the interval, by which we mean the limit (when it exists) of the function at each point. In looking at some examples, we find that limit functions tend to be nicely behaved even when the functions are not. For example, Thomae's function is continuous on a dense set of points and discontinuous on a dense set of points, and yet its limit function is a constant function (identically equal to 0). Of course, the limit function of a function is not always defined, but by considering upper and lower limits (limsup and liminf), we get the upper and lower limit functions of a function. These also tend to be nicely behaved, as is illustrated by the characteristic function of the rationals (discontinuous at every point), whose upper and lower limit functions are constant functions. We will investigate how badly behaved the upper and lower limit functions of a function can be. This will lead to an investigation of semicontinuous functions, which are amazingly ubiquitously omnipresent throughout pure and applied mathematics. This talk should be accessible to most undergraduate math majors, although there will likely be aspects of it that are unfamiliar to nonexperts.
Year: 2013
Name: Dave Renfro
Institution: ACT, Inc.
Subject area(s): real analysis
Title of Talk: The Upper and Lower Limits of a Function and Semicontinuous Functions
Abstract: A function is continuous on an interval exactly when the function agrees with its "limit function" on the interval, by which we mean the limit (when it exists) of the function at each point. In looking at some examples, we find that limit functions tend to be nicely behaved even when the functions are not. For example, Thomae's function is continuous on a dense set of points and discontinuous on a dense set of points, and yet its limit function is a constant function (identically equal to 0). Of course, the limit function of a function is not always defined, but by considering upper and lower limits (limsup and liminf), we get the upper and lower limit functions of a function. These also tend to be nicely behaved, as is illustrated by the characteristic function of the rationals (discontinuous at every point), whose upper and lower limit functions are constant functions. We will investigate how badly behaved the upper and lower limit functions of a function can be. This will lead to an investigation of semicontinuous functions, which are amazingly ubiquitously omnipresent throughout pure and applied mathematics. This talk should be accessible to most undergraduate math majors, although there will likely be aspects of it that are unfamiliar to nonexperts.
ID:
396
Year: 2014
Name: Dave Renfro
Institution: #business/industry/government
Subject area(s): calculus, real analysis
Title of Talk: Calculus Curiosities
Abstract: Over the years I have collected a lot of little-known mathematical curiosities and minutia from various books and journal articles. This talk is intended to be a "show and tell" for some of this material, mostly restricted to things that could be of use in first year calculus courses, or at least to things likely to be of interest to teachers of such courses.
Year: 2014
Name: Dave Renfro
Institution: #business/industry/government
Subject area(s): calculus, real analysis
Title of Talk: Calculus Curiosities
Abstract: Over the years I have collected a lot of little-known mathematical curiosities and minutia from various books and journal articles. This talk is intended to be a "show and tell" for some of this material, mostly restricted to things that could be of use in first year calculus courses, or at least to things likely to be of interest to teachers of such courses.
ID:
144
Year: 2006
Name: Dave L. Renfro
Institution: ACT Inc.
Subject area(s): transcendental equations
Title of Talk: The Remarkable Equation tan(x) = x
Abstract: Although tan(x) = x is virtually the prototypical example for solving an equation by graphical methods, and this equation frequently appears in calculus texts as an example of Newton's method, there seems to be nothing in the literature that surveys what is known about its solutions. In this talk I will look at some appearances of this equation in elementary calculus, some appearances of this equation in more advanced areas (quantum mechanics, heat conduction, etc.), the fact that this equation has no nonreal solutions and that all of its nonzero solutions are transcendental, and some curious infinite sums involving its solutions. In addition, I will discuss some of the history behind this equation, including contributions by Euler (1748), Fourier (1807), Cauchy (1827), and Rayleigh (1874, 1877).
Year: 2006
Name: Dave L. Renfro
Institution: ACT Inc.
Subject area(s): transcendental equations
Title of Talk: The Remarkable Equation tan(x) = x
Abstract: Although tan(x) = x is virtually the prototypical example for solving an equation by graphical methods, and this equation frequently appears in calculus texts as an example of Newton's method, there seems to be nothing in the literature that surveys what is known about its solutions. In this talk I will look at some appearances of this equation in elementary calculus, some appearances of this equation in more advanced areas (quantum mechanics, heat conduction, etc.), the fact that this equation has no nonreal solutions and that all of its nonzero solutions are transcendental, and some curious infinite sums involving its solutions. In addition, I will discuss some of the history behind this equation, including contributions by Euler (1748), Fourier (1807), Cauchy (1827), and Rayleigh (1874, 1877).
ID:
559
Year: 2021
Name: Jack Rausch
Institution: Creighton University
Subject area(s): Quantum Information Theory, Quantum Computing
Title of Talk: Developing a Quantum Resource Theory for One-Way Information
Abstract: In quantum information theory, the one-way information of the joint evolution of a composite system quantifies the causal relationship between systems. Given a composite two systems, an algorithm is used to create a state $\rho^{A'ABB'} $ which quantifies the one-way information via the measure $R\left(\rho^{A'ABB'} \right) = I\left(\rho^{B} : \rho^{A'AB'} \right) - I\left(\rho^{B} : \rho^{B'} \right)$. A quantum resource theory offers a new perspective to view one-way information. A quantum resource theory examines a problem under a set of physically meaningful limitations which identify certain operations as free (can be used without limitations) and others as resources (operations with limitations or costs). We define a quantum resource theory for one-way information based on the measure $R\left(\rho^{A'ABB'} \right)$, showing that: $R$ is an additive measure, all free states contain $0$ one-way information, the free operations contain all unitary operators $U_{AB} = U_A \otimes U_B$, and $R$ is monotonic under free operations, but not under the restricted operations.
Year: 2021
Name: Jack Rausch
Institution: Creighton University
Subject area(s): Quantum Information Theory, Quantum Computing
Title of Talk: Developing a Quantum Resource Theory for One-Way Information
Abstract: In quantum information theory, the one-way information of the joint evolution of a composite system quantifies the causal relationship between systems. Given a composite two systems, an algorithm is used to create a state $\rho^{A'ABB'} $ which quantifies the one-way information via the measure $R\left(\rho^{A'ABB'} \right) = I\left(\rho^{B} : \rho^{A'AB'} \right) - I\left(\rho^{B} : \rho^{B'} \right)$. A quantum resource theory offers a new perspective to view one-way information. A quantum resource theory examines a problem under a set of physically meaningful limitations which identify certain operations as free (can be used without limitations) and others as resources (operations with limitations or costs). We define a quantum resource theory for one-way information based on the measure $R\left(\rho^{A'ABB'} \right)$, showing that: $R$ is an additive measure, all free states contain $0$ one-way information, the free operations contain all unitary operators $U_{AB} = U_A \otimes U_B$, and $R$ is monotonic under free operations, but not under the restricted operations.
ID:
547
Year: 2019
Name: Patrick Rault
Institution: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Dozen National and Regional Mini-grant opportunities for Undergraduate Faculty
Abstract: A wide range of mini-grants are available to support both teaching and research. The Inquiry-Based Learning Iowa-Nebraska Community (IBLINC) is now offering mini-grants for a wide range of peer-collaboration activities ranging from attending events to collaborating on course materials. This builds on a national momentum to offer mini-grants from the MAA for a wide variety of teaching activities, from CURM for an academic-year REU-style project with our students, and from AIM for a weeklong research retreat for your faculty team. While most of these programs are grant funded, the MAA’s Project NExT program has raised substantial continuing funds to provide professional development and a supportive community for new faculty. Join us to hear about a dozen such funding sources, learn what the aforementioned acronyms stand for, or share your own experiences.
Year: 2019
Name: Patrick Rault
Institution: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Dozen National and Regional Mini-grant opportunities for Undergraduate Faculty
Abstract: A wide range of mini-grants are available to support both teaching and research. The Inquiry-Based Learning Iowa-Nebraska Community (IBLINC) is now offering mini-grants for a wide range of peer-collaboration activities ranging from attending events to collaborating on course materials. This builds on a national momentum to offer mini-grants from the MAA for a wide variety of teaching activities, from CURM for an academic-year REU-style project with our students, and from AIM for a weeklong research retreat for your faculty team. While most of these programs are grant funded, the MAA’s Project NExT program has raised substantial continuing funds to provide professional development and a supportive community for new faculty. Join us to hear about a dozen such funding sources, learn what the aforementioned acronyms stand for, or share your own experiences.
ID:
509
Year: 2018
Name: Patrick Rault
Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Regional Communities of Practice around Inquiry-Based Learning
Abstract: What began as a small group of professors gathering to discuss implementation of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) in our classes has developed into a strong regional community of practice. The Upstate New York IBL consortium was created in 2014 with a mission to create, grow, and maintain a community of instructors across the region. We will discuss how the consortium formed organically, the way that it operates, and several efforts to replicate it in other regions. Suggestions will be provided for creating your own regional community of practice for supporting the adoption and enhancement of active learning techniques.
Year: 2018
Name: Patrick Rault
Institution: University of Nebraska Omaha
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Regional Communities of Practice around Inquiry-Based Learning
Abstract: What began as a small group of professors gathering to discuss implementation of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) in our classes has developed into a strong regional community of practice. The Upstate New York IBL consortium was created in 2014 with a mission to create, grow, and maintain a community of instructors across the region. We will discuss how the consortium formed organically, the way that it operates, and several efforts to replicate it in other regions. Suggestions will be provided for creating your own regional community of practice for supporting the adoption and enhancement of active learning techniques.
ID:
285
Year: 2010
Name: Reza Rastegar
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Probability
Title of Talk: Random walks in a sparse ``cookie" environment
Abstract: ``Cookie random walks" is a popular model of self-interacting random walks. Several variations of this model have been studied during the last decade. In this talk we will focus on the random walk on the integer lattice, where the ``cookies" perturbing the random walk are placed in a regular random sub-lattice of Z. We will present the model, briefly discuss an associated branching process, and then state criteria for transience and recurrence for this random walk.
Year: 2010
Name: Reza Rastegar
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Probability
Title of Talk: Random walks in a sparse ``cookie" environment
Abstract: ``Cookie random walks" is a popular model of self-interacting random walks. Several variations of this model have been studied during the last decade. In this talk we will focus on the random walk on the integer lattice, where the ``cookies" perturbing the random walk are placed in a regular random sub-lattice of Z. We will present the model, briefly discuss an associated branching process, and then state criteria for transience and recurrence for this random walk.
ID:
353
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Fibonacci's Flower Garden
Abstract: It has often been said that the Fibonacci numbers frequently occur in art, architecture, music, magic, and nature. This interactive investigation looks for evidence of this claim in the spiral patterns of plants. Is it synchronicity or divine intervention? Fate or dumb luck? We will explore a simple model to explain the occurrences and wonder whether other number sequences are equally likely to occur. This talk is designed to be appreciated by mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike. So join us in a mathematical adventure through Fibonacci's garden.
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Fibonacci's Flower Garden
Abstract: It has often been said that the Fibonacci numbers frequently occur in art, architecture, music, magic, and nature. This interactive investigation looks for evidence of this claim in the spiral patterns of plants. Is it synchronicity or divine intervention? Fate or dumb luck? We will explore a simple model to explain the occurrences and wonder whether other number sequences are equally likely to occur. This talk is designed to be appreciated by mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike. So join us in a mathematical adventure through Fibonacci's garden.
ID:
354
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics to DIE for: The Battle Between Counting and Matching
Abstract: Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. So which is "easier" to consider mathematically? From the analysis of infinite series, we know that if a positive sum converges, then its alternating sum must also converge but the converse is not true. From linear algebra, we know that the permanent of an n x n matrix is usually hard to calculate, whereas its alternating sum, the determinant, can be computed efficiently and it has many nice theoretical properties. This talk is one part performance art and three parts combinatorics. The audience will judge a combinatorial competition between the competing techniques. Be prepared to explore a variety of positive and alternating sums involving binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other beautiful combinatorial quantities. How are the terms in each sum concretely interpreted? What is being counted? What is being matched? Do alternating sums always give simpler results? You decide.
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics to DIE for: The Battle Between Counting and Matching
Abstract: Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. So which is "easier" to consider mathematically? From the analysis of infinite series, we know that if a positive sum converges, then its alternating sum must also converge but the converse is not true. From linear algebra, we know that the permanent of an n x n matrix is usually hard to calculate, whereas its alternating sum, the determinant, can be computed efficiently and it has many nice theoretical properties. This talk is one part performance art and three parts combinatorics. The audience will judge a combinatorial competition between the competing techniques. Be prepared to explore a variety of positive and alternating sums involving binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other beautiful combinatorial quantities. How are the terms in each sum concretely interpreted? What is being counted? What is being matched? Do alternating sums always give simpler results? You decide.