Destressing Math Collective with William Dunham
William Dunham, Research Associate in Mathematics at Bryn Mawr College, will give a talk titled “An Evening with Euler.” This talk is accessible to any student who has had calculus. Snacks will be served starting at 6:30 pm in the Math Lounge.
Abstract: Among history’s foremost mathematicians is Leonhard Euler (1707-1783). In this presentation, we sketch Euler’s life, discuss his voluminous mathematical output, and survey a few of his discoveries from number theory, graph theory, and other branches of mathematics. We conclude with a proof – in full detail – of one of his greatest theorems: the solution of the “Basel Problem” from 1734. There, Euler found the exact value of the infinite series 1 + 1/4 + 1/9 + 1/16 + 1/25 + … in a brilliant display of analytic wizardry. Tradition has it that Laplace described Euler as “the Master of Us All.” This should show why such a characterization is apt.
Bryn Mawr College welcomes the full participation of all individuals in all aspects of campus life. Should you wish to request a disability-related accommodation for this event, please contact the event sponsor/coordinator. Requests should be made as early as possible.