Thursday, December 10, 2015
Congratulations to the Students that Participated in the 76th William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition
On Saturday, December 5, Grace McCourt, Paul Pernici, Emily Marconi, Michael Woods and Charlie Michel participated in the 76th William Putnam Mathematical Competition. They worked on 6 problems from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and then 6 more problems from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Typically, 50% of the people who enter this competition nationwide (and in Canada) receive 0 points on it. The exam seemed particularly difficult this year, though it seems a few of the AU students made some progress on a couple of the problems. We are expecting that there may have been some nonzero scores again this year. We hope to follow with some additional news on this at a later date. Keep posted and congratulations to the students that participated.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Fall Study Break set for Thursday, December 10
Math and Computer Science Students you are cordially invited!
Math 450 Presents "Designing a Table Both Swinging and Stable"
In an article from the
September 2008 edition of The College of
Mathematics Journal, Greg N. Frederickson analyzes Howard Eves’ physical
approach to designing a table both swinging and stable. The physical
construction of this table was based off of Henry E. Dudeney/Charles W. McElroy’s
geometric dissection discovery in 1902. The idea behind this discovery was to
transform an equilateral triangle to a square using hinged dissection.
Frederickson takes us through the history and thought
process behind this idea as well as the difficulties faced by these men as they
constructed this design. He also takes into account the improvements that
needed to be made and those that have been made to the overall design. Who knew
the construction of only one table could yield two entirely different shapes?
By the end of this presentation you’ll be tempted to build this geometrically
savvy table yourself!
Frederickson, Greg N.,
“Designing a Table Both Swinging and Stable.” The College Mathematics Journal 39.4 (2008):
Math 450 Presents
Designing a Table Both Swinging and Stable
by Ashley Herman
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
1:40 p.m.
Patterson 301
Come join us! All are welcome.
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