Edward Burger - Williams College
How To Always Win at Limbo
You can sum some of the series some of the time, and some of the series none of the time but can you sum some of the series all the time?
Have you ever gone out with some friends for a while and asked yourself: "How close are we?" This presentation will answer that question by answering: What does it mean for two things to be close to one another? We'll take a strange journey into infinite series, dare to mention a calculus student's fantasy, and do some brief transcendental meditation. In fact, we'll even attempt to build some very unusual and exotic series that can be used if you ever have to flee the country in a hurry: we'll either succeed or fail...you'll have come to the talk to find out which. Will you be at the edge of your seats? Perhaps; but if not, then you'll probably fall asleep either way, after the talk, you'll fell refreshed and great. No matter what, you'll learn a sneaky way to always win at Limbo.
Audience:
All fans of mathematics are invited although it would be helpful if audience members have heard the phrases "absolute value" and "infinite series".
Biographical Note:
Edward Burger is known for his energetic math performances and has made several radio and TV appearances. He is the author of numerous articles, creator of the first virtual, video, interactive textbook on the web for Pre-Calculus and Calculus, and has just published his book "The Heart of Mathematics: an invitation to effective thinking". Last month he won the Distinguished Teaching Award. Burger became a mathematician after an unsuccessful "career' as a stand-up comedian. Why did he fail as a comic? Come to this colloquium and discover for yourself!
Refreshments will be served.
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