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.