The Brigham Young University Department of Mathematics will host its Spring Conference, featuring lectures on sudoku puzzles, knots and symmetric patterns Friday and Saturday, March 20-21.
The lectures are intended for a general audience, and all are invited to attend.
Laura Taalman, from James Madison University, will talk about sudoku puzzles Friday at 11 a.m. in the Wilkinson Student Center Varsity Theatre. In her lecture, she will explore variations of sudoku and the many open problems and results in this new field of recreational mathematics. Sudoku enthusiasts will receive puzzle handouts.
Colin Adams from Williams College will present a theatric performance as Sir Randolph Bacon III Friday at 1:15 p.m. in the Varsity Theater of the Wilkinson Student Center. In his comedic tale of adventure on the high seas, he will explain how an understanding of the mathematical theory of knots "saved his bacon."
The conference will conclude with a presentation by Joe Gallian, former president of the Mathematics Association of America, Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in 1102 Jesse Knight Building. In his lecture, “Using Mathematics to Create Symmetry Patterns,” he will use video animations to illustrate how mathematics can be used to create computer-generated symmetry patterns.
Members of the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics and the Mathematics Association of America will participate in the conference that is being partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
For more information, contact Michael Dorff at (801) 422-1752.
Writer: Angela Fischer
