Sep 19
Math/Stats Colloquium: Alex Sutherland, The Ohio State University
Title: Solving Polynomials; An Ever-Evolving Discipline
Abstract: In this talk, we will look at how humanity's approach to solving polynomials has evolved over time, with special attention paid to both mathematical and sociological developments. Mathematically, this story includes the classical approach of the Babylonians and their development of the quadratic formula, the beginning of modern formulations of the problem in the 19th century by Kronecker and Klein, and brand new theorems from within the past five years. Sociologically, this talk will highlight the reality that mathematicians are people and thus our humanity is an intrinsic part of mathematics; we will see examples of mathematics interacting with everything from language and how we communicate, to living through global events that we have no control over. If you have ever wondered about how mathematics develops on a societal level, this talk is for you!