View Proposal #158
If this proposal belongs to you, you are authorized to update it. Use the menu on the right.
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 |