View Proposal #158
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| ID | 158 |
|---|---|
| First Name | Steve |
| Last Name | Bean |
| Institution | Cornell College |
| Speaker Category | faculty |
| Title of Talk | Why does 0! = 1? The evolution of the gamma function |
| Abstract | The gamma function is typically introduced as an attempt to interpolate the factorial function, but what motivation does one have to do this? After giving a brief overview of the gamma function and its properties--from the modern point of view,--we will talk about the same function from a historical perspective. In particular, we will examine the reasons behind Euler's original formulation of this function. |
| Subject area(s) | math history |
| Suitable for undergraduates? | Yes |
| Day Preference | |
| Computer Needed? | Y |
| Bringing a laptop? | N |
| Overhead Needed? | N |
| Software requests | Power Point |
| Special Needs | |
| Date Submitted | 2/28/2006 |
| Year | 2006 |