Sewanee Mathematics Club

During this first meeting of the semester, we got to know eachother, play games, and chat.

Speaker

Chris Eppolito

Title

Pythagoras of Samos and the Arrangement of Lines

Abstract

Given some points in the plane and some real number "weights" relating them, we can draw a collection of lines in the plane related to the Pythagorean Theorem. How these lines intersect can be surprising. This talk gives a recipe for predicting new or broken intersections if we wiggle the points.

Speaker

Doug Drinen

Title

Combinatorial proofs of binomial identities

Abstract

The first part of the talk will be a (p)review of the portion of Discrete Math where binomial coefficients are introduced. After that, we will learn some identities involving binomial coefficients and explore techniques for proving them (parts of this discussion might also be a (p)review of your Discrete Math class). Finally, I will present an identity for which I do not have, but would very much like to have, a proof. If there is interest, I will talk about the larger problem that gave rise to my desire to prove this particular identity.

Pre-requisites: ability to multiply integers, ability to divide integers in the special case where the remainder is zero. Some familiarity with addition and subtraction of integers may also be helpful.

Speaker

Shuler Hopkins

Title

Title: How to Factor with a Quantum Computer

(no term)

Abstract: In this talk, we will introduce an overly complicated way of finding the prime factors of large¹ numbers. This method, when combined with a quantum computer, turns out to be a much more efficient method than any known algorithm for factoring large numbers that does not use a quantum computer. If time allows, we will talk about why you should be very worried about this.

Speaker

Ross Sowell

Title

Grounded Reasoning about Robots for Law and Policy

Abstract

Robots are leaving industrial settings where they operate alone in caged-off areas, and are entering our shared public spaces. While the technical challenges of this move are significant, the potential problems that will affect our social structures are even more profound. Robotics will disrupt our current ideas of legal regulation, public policy, and privacy. This means that a large number of people without a technology background will have to reason about what these robots will do, and what effects they will have on our existing social structures. However, there is a profound lack of understanding of robotics and the effects that robots could have. This needs to be addressed if we are to make sensible laws and policies that protect people, but do not stifle innovation. My research aims to develop a structured language paradigm and interactive tools for enabling reasoning about how robots and autonomous systems work at a non-technical level and to construct a set of case studies for specific robot-use scenarios to enable meaningful dialog around law and policy and robotics.

In this interactive talk, we will explore the basics of robotics and what makes robotics hard. You will gain insight into why the world is not full of robots already and some understanding of the challenges from a legal and policy perspective. You may even be inspired to dive into robotics yourself!

Speaker

Anne Duffee

Title

The metric spaces of Dungeons and Dragons

Abstract

In this talk, we'll talk about the metric and normed spaces generated by the movement rules of second, third, and fifth edition D&D, and we'll look at how the constraints of these games require us to generalize the intuitive aspects of "normal" space in the form of mathematical abstractions.

Beginning November, senior talks are happening. In order to prevent collision with math club, we will start meeting informally on Fridays. I'll plan to bring games and some challenge problems for the rest of the semester.