Diophantine equations for fun (and profit?)

Speaker: Michael Bennett

Date: Thu, Sep 21, 2017

Location: PIMS, University of Calgary

Conference: Louise and Richard K. Guy Lecture Series

Subject: Mathematics

Class: Scientific

Abstract:

Michael Bennett (President, Canadian Mathematical Society; Professor of Mathematics, University of British Columbia)

Diophantine equations are one of the oldest, frequently celebrated and most abstract objects in mathematics. They crop up in areas ranging from recreational mathematics and puzzles, to cryptography, error correcting codes, and even in studying the structure of viruses. In this talk, Dr. Bennett will attempt to show some of the roles these equations play in modern mathematics and beyond.