TODAY: Mathematics Seminar on Islamic design in Cook 102

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar TODAY, October 30, 3-4 p.m. in 102 Cook.

Our speaker is Rebin Muhammad from Ohio University, presenting on the mathematical symmetries in traditional Islamic designs. The variety of symmetries found in Islamic geometric patterns contributes to beautiful works of art and a wealth of opportunities for interesting mathematical explorations.  Join us for a presentation that will appeal to a general audience – all are welcome!

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Symmetries in the Alhambra

An Islamic geometric pattern is a two-dimensional wallpaper that is created by only using a compass and ruler. The history of Islamic geometric patterns dates back to the 8th century and can been seen in most Islamic countries, where it is used in decorating the walls of buildings and mosques. We will explore some of these patterns that are located in Alhambra (and other places) and see why they are mathematically interesting.

GRCC Mathematics Seminar tomorrow in Cook 102

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar tomorrow, October 30, 3-4 p.m. in 102 Cook.

Our speaker is Rebin Muhammad from Ohio University, presenting on the mathematical symmetries in traditional Islamic designs. The variety of symmetries found in Islamic geometric patterns contributes to beautiful works of art and a wealth of opportunities for interesting mathematical explorations.  Join us for a presentation that will appeal to a general audience – all are welcome!

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Symmetries in the Alhambra

An Islamic geometric pattern is a two-dimensional wallpaper that is created by only using a compass and ruler. The history of Islamic geometric patterns dates back to the 8th century and can been seen in most Islamic countries, where it is used in decorating the walls of buildings and mosques. We will explore some of these patterns that are located in Alhambra (and other places) and see why they are mathematically interesting.

GRCC’s October Mathematics Seminar next Tuesday in Cook 102

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar next week Tuesday, October 30, 3-4 p.m. in 102 Cook.

Our speaker is Rebin Muhammad from Ohio University, presenting on the mathematical symmetries in traditional Islamic designs. The variety of symmetries found in Islamic geometric patterns contributes to beautiful works of art and a wealth of opportunities for interesting mathematical explorations.  Join us for a presentation that will appeal to a general audience – all are welcome!

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Symmetries in the Alhambra

An Islamic geometric pattern is a two-dimensional wallpaper that is created by only using a compass and ruler. The history of Islamic geometric patterns dates back to the 8th century and can been seen in most Islamic countries, where it is used in decorating the walls of buildings and mosques. We will explore some of these patterns that are located in Alhambra (and other places) and see why they are mathematically interesting.

Mark your calendars for GRCC’s October Mathematics Seminar on Islamic design

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Tuesday, October 30, 3-4 p.m. in 102 Cook.

Our speaker is Rebin Muhammad from Ohio University, presenting on the mathematical symmetries in traditional Islamic designs. The variety of symmetries found in Islamic geometric patterns contributes to beautiful works of art and a wealth of opportunities for interesting mathematical explorations.  Join us for a presentation that will appeal to a general audience – all are welcome!

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Symmetries in the Alhambra

An Islamic geometric pattern is a two-dimensional wallpaper that is created by only using a compass and ruler. The history of Islamic geometric patterns dates back to the 8th century and can been seen in most Islamic countries, where it is used in decorating the walls of buildings and mosques. We will explore some of these patterns that are located in Alhambra (and other places) and see why they are mathematically interesting.

GRCC Mathematics Seminar Today in 114 Cook

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its first 2018-2019 Mathematics Seminar TODAY, September 26, from 3-4 p.m. in 114 Cook.

Our speaker is GRCC Mathematics Instructor John Dersch.

The study of mathematics has the potential to delight participants with beauty and surprising relationships. This talk will attempt to capture a small piece of mathematical wonder by connecting two ideas that appear to have nothing in common. Some knowledge of algebra will be useful, but, as always, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Series and Probability DO Mix

Suppose you start adding 1 +     +      +    +  ¼  and you just keep going. As you add more and more terms, your answers will approach a unique number. It’s easy to approximate this number, but finding its exact value is a historically famous and fascinating problem.  This talk has two parts. In Part 1 we will show how Leonhard Euler first solved this famous problem in the 1730s. Part 2 reveals an unexpected appearance of Euler’s solution in our search for the answer to a question involving probability and relatively prime numbers.

GRCC Mathematics Seminar this Wednesday in Cook 114

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its first Mathematics Seminar of 2018-2019 tomorrow, September 26, from 3-4 p.m. in 114 Cook.

Our speaker is GRCC Mathematics Instructor John Dersch.

The study of mathematics has the potential to delight participants with beauty and surprising relationships. This talk will attempt to capture a small piece of mathematical wonder by connecting two ideas that appear to have nothing in common. Some knowledge of algebra will be useful, but, as always, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Series and Probability DO Mix

Suppose you start adding 1 +     +      +    +  ¼  and you just keep going. As you add more and more terms, your answers will approach a unique number. It’s easy to approximate this number, but finding its exact value is a historically famous and fascinating problem.  This talk has two parts. In Part 1 we will show how Leonhard Euler first solved this famous problem in the 1730s. Part 2 reveals an unexpected appearance of Euler’s solution in our search for the answer to a question involving probability and relatively prime numbers.

Mark your calendars for GRCC’s September Mathematics Seminar

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its first Mathematics Seminar of 2018-2019 on Wednesday, September 26, 3-4 p.m. in 114 Cook.

Our speaker is GRCC Mathematics Instructor John Dersch.

The study of mathematics has the potential to delight participants with beauty and surprising relationships.  This talk will attempt to capture a small piece of mathematical wonder by connecting two ideas that appear to have nothing in common.  Some knowledge of algebra will be useful, but, as always, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m.

 

Series and Probability DO Mix

Suppose you start adding 1 +     +      +    +  ¼  and you just keep going.  As you add more and more terms, your answers will approach a unique number.  It’s easy to approximate this number, but finding its exact value is a historically famous and fascinating problem.  This talk has two parts.  In Part 1 we will show how Leonhard Euler first solved this famous problem in the 1730s.  Part 2 reveals an unexpected appearance of Euler’s solution in our search for the answer to a question involving probability and relatively prime numbers.

Mathematics Seminar TODAY in 103 Cook

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is hosting its last Mathematics Seminar of 2017-2018 today, Tuesday, April 17, 3:00-4:00 p.m. in 103 Cook.

Our speaker, former GRCC student and current GRCC tutor Jeff Powers, will discuss the mathematics and science of Archimedes.  For the title and abstract of Jeff’s talk, please see below.

The mathematical and scientific accomplishments of Archimedes are impressive in their scope, depth and detail, often anticipating the work of others by many centuries.  This seminar will be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in mathematics, and should also be of interest to those who enjoy history, astronomy, physics and science in general.  All are welcome.

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

“Archimedes: The Sand Reckoner”

“There are some, King Gelon, who believe that the number of the sand is infinite in multitude…” begins The Sand Reckoner, a 3rd-century BCE manuscript by Archimedes of Syracuse (287-212 BCE). Limited by Greek numerals, Archimedes sought a new number system capable of expressing quantities larger than the amount of sand that could fill up the universe. Of course, to do this, he had to first determine the size of the universe. The Sand Reckoner is significant not only for the extraordinary mathematics it contains, but also for its profound insights into the history of science. It cites the earliest account we have of a heliocentric solar system, contains adjustments for solar parallax and the anatomy of a human eye, and is regarded as the world’s first research-expository paper. This seminar showcases Archimedes’ genius via a detailed analysis of The Sand Reckoner, demonstrating his place as the greatest mathematician of antiquity.

April Mathematics Seminar tomorrow

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is hosting its last Mathematics Seminar of 2017-2018 tomorrow, Tuesday, April 17, 3-4 p.m. in 103 Cook.

Our speaker, former GRCC student and current GRCC tutor Jeff Powers, will discuss the mathematics and science of Archimedes.  For the title and abstract of Jeff’s talk, please see below.

The mathematical and scientific accomplishments of Archimedes are impressive in their scope, depth and detail, often anticipating the work of others by many centuries.  This seminar will be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in mathematics, and should also be of interest to those who enjoy history, astronomy, physics and science in general.  All are welcome.

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

“Archimedes: The Sand Reckoner”

“There are some, King Gelon, who believe that the number of the sand is infinite in multitude…” begins The Sand Reckoner, a 3rd-century BCE manuscript by Archimedes of Syracuse (287-212 BCE). Limited by Greek numerals, Archimedes sought a new number system capable of expressing quantities larger than the amount of sand that could fill up the universe. Of course, to do this, he had to first determine the size of the universe. The Sand Reckoner is significant not only for the extraordinary mathematics it contains, but also for its profound insights into the history of science. It cites the earliest account we have of a heliocentric solar system, contains adjustments for solar parallax and the anatomy of a human eye, and is regarded as the world’s first research-expository paper. This seminar showcases Archimedes’ genius via a detailed analysis of The Sand Reckoner, demonstrating his place as the greatest mathematician of antiquity.

April Mathematics Seminar

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its last Mathematics Seminar of 2017-2018 on Tuesday, April 17, 3:00-4:00 PM in 103 Cook.

Our speaker, former GRCC student and current GRCC tutor Jeff Powers, will discuss the mathematics and science of Archimedes.  For the title and abstract of Jeff’s talk, please see below.

The mathematical and scientific accomplishments of Archimedes are impressive in their scope, depth and detail, often anticipating the work of others by many centuries.  This seminar will be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in mathematics, and should also be of interest to those who enjoy history, astronomy, physics and science in general.  All are welcome.

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

“Archimedes: The Sand Reckoner”

“There are some, King Gelon, who believe that the number of the sand is infinite in multitude…” begins The Sand Reckoner, a 3rd-century BCE manuscript by Archimedes of Syracuse (287-212 BCE). Limited by Greek numerals, Archimedes sought a new number system capable of expressing quantities larger than the amount of sand that could fill up the universe. Of course, to do this, he had to first determine the size of the universe. The Sand Reckoner is significant not only for the extraordinary mathematics it contains, but also for its profound insights into the history of science. It cites the earliest account we have of a heliocentric solar system, contains adjustments for solar parallax and the anatomy of a human eye, and is regarded as the world’s first research-expository paper. This seminar showcases Archimedes’ genius via a detailed analysis of The Sand Reckoner, demonstrating his place as the greatest mathematician of antiquity.

 

Mathematics Seminar is today

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Wednesday, March 21, 3:00-4:00 PM in 515 Cook.

Our speaker, former GRCC student and current GRCC tutor Katrina Teunis, will discuss mathematics as a language.  For the title and abstract of Katrina’s talk, please see below.

When discussions of a “universal language” arise, mathematics is usually at or near the top of the list.  But at the same time, many people admit that they don’t understand mathematics very well, and some may go on to say that they don’t like it very much.  In her presentation Karina will endeavor to show that treating mathematics as a language may make it more understandable, and, by extension, more likable.  No mathematics background is needed for this talk, and, as always, everyone is welcome!

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

The Language of Mathematics

Have you ever joked about math being a language you don’t understand? Have you ever wondered what the purpose was in learning algebra when you have absolutely no plans to use math in your future careers? Well, what if math really is a language, and treating it as one could both help you understand mathematics and why it applies to your daily life? Seeing math as the language it is can open the door to understanding why math works the way it does and how it is more than just manipulating numbers.  This talk will answer the question “is math a language” and address how viewing math in this way will improve your ability to work with numbers, use logic in your daily life, and truly understand mathematics.

Mathematics Seminar looks at mathematics as language

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Wednesday, March 21, 3:00-4:00 PM in 515 Cook.

Our speaker, former GRCC student and current GRCC tutor Katrina Teunis, will discuss mathematics as a language.  For the title and abstract of Katrina’s talk, please see below.

When discussions of a “universal language” arise, mathematics is usually at or near the top of the list.  But at the same time, many people admit that they don’t understand mathematics very well, and some may go on to say that they don’t like it very much.  In her presentation Karina will endeavor to show that treating mathematics as a language may make it more understandable, and, by extension, more likable.  No mathematics background is needed for this talk, and, as always, everyone is welcome!

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

The Language of Mathematics

Have you ever joked about math being a language you don’t understand? Have you ever wondered what the purpose was in learning algebra when you have absolutely no plans to use math in your future careers? Well, what if math really is a language, and treating it as one could both help you understand mathematics and why it applies to your daily life? Seeing math as the language it is can open the door to understanding why math works the way it does and how it is more than just manipulating numbers.  This talk will answer the question “is math a language” and address how viewing math in this way will improve your ability to work with numbers, use logic in your daily life, and truly understand mathematics.

GRCC alumna Katrina Teunis to lead Mathematics Seminar

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Wednesday, March 21, 3:00-4:00 PM in 515 Cook.

Our speaker, former GRCC student and current GRCC tutor Katrina Teunis, will discuss mathematics as a language.  For the title and abstract of Katrina’s talk, please see below.

When discussions of a “universal language” arise, mathematics is usually at or near the top of the list.  But at the same time, many people admit that they don’t understand mathematics very well, and some may go on to say that they don’t like it very much.  In her presentation Karina will endeavor to show that treating mathematics as a language may make it more understandable, and, by extension, more likable.  No mathematics background is needed for this talk, and, as always, everyone is welcome!

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

The Language of Mathematics

Have you ever joked about math being a language you don’t understand? Have you ever wondered what the purpose was in learning algebra when you have absolutely no plans to use math in your future careers? Well, what if math really is a language, and treating it as one could both help you understand mathematics and why it applies to your daily life? Seeing math as the language it is can open the door to understanding why math works the way it does and how it is more than just manipulating numbers.  This talk will answer the question “is math a language” and address how viewing math in this way will improve your ability to work with numbers, use logic in your daily life, and truly understand mathematics.

Student Fisher Pham to lead Mathematics Seminar

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Wednesday, February 14, 3:00-4:00 PM in 515 Cook.

Our speaker, GRCC student Fisher Pham, will discuss mathematics related to solving Rubik’s Cube.  For the title and abstract of Fisher’s talk, please see below.

If you’ve ever solved Rubik’s Cube, attempted to solve it, glanced at it occasionally as it gathered dust on a shelf, or simply watched in amazement as someone else solved it in a few seconds, there will much of interest in this seminar.  As always, everyone is welcome!

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

God’s Algorithm: A Simple Solution for the Rubik’s Cube

The Rubik’s Cube–a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, yet some have managed to solve it in mere seconds. Whether you know how to solve it or if you’ve spent hours twisting and turning it to no avail, you might have wondered, “Is there a simple pattern that I could repeat over and over to eventually solve the Rubik’s cube?” This hypothetical pattern is called “God’s Algorithm”. In this talk, we will find out if “God’s Algorithm” exists and discuss other mathematical aspects of the Rubik’s Cube.

Mathematics Seminar looks at Rubik’s Cube, ‘God’s Algorithm’

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Wednesday, February 14, 3:00-4:00 PM in 515 Cook.

Our speaker, GRCC student Fisher Pham, will discuss mathematics related to solving Rubik’s Cube.  For the title and abstract of Fisher’s talk, please see below.

If you’ve ever solved Rubik’s Cube, attempted to solve it, glanced at it occasionally as it gathered dust on a shelf, or simply watched in amazement as someone else solved it in a few seconds, there will much of interest in this seminar.  As always, everyone is welcome!

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

God’s Algorithm: A Simple Solution for the Rubik’s Cube

The Rubik’s Cube–a puzzle that seems impossible to solve, yet some have managed to solve it in mere seconds. Whether you know how to solve it or if you’ve spent hours twisting and turning it to no avail, you might have wondered, “Is there a simple pattern that I could repeat over and over to eventually solve the Rubik’s cube?” This hypothetical pattern is called “God’s Algorithm”. In this talk, we will find out if “God’s Algorithm” exists and discuss other mathematical aspects of the Rubik’s Cube.