You are invited to join alumnus Scott Wilson as he presents a talk entitled: Contemplating x^2 = -1 where x is a square matrix, and the interesting structures that ensue

By Jill Ackerman, April 11, 2023

Scott Wilson, Queens College The Graduate Center, CUNY gives a talk as an Introduction to the Pi Mu Epsilon Induction ceremony

Contemplating x2 = -1 where x is a square matrix, and the interesting structures that ensue

Using familiar and elementary ideas from linear algebra and calculus, we'll be led by the suggestive title above. The numeral 1 literally means an identity matrix, and our contemplation will include exploring the questions

when are there solutions, and
what do they look like, both individually and collectively?

This is all the first step in a vast area of active mathematical research, with important open problems, on the study of certain higher dimensional shapes called manifolds. I'll share some perspectives on this at the end. It's best to come with a curious and open mind!

X2=x1x2x3x42= 1001
Find X.

Monday, April 17
4pm
Williams 323

sponsored by the Math Department Colloquium series, lead-in to the Pi Mu Epsilon Induction ceremony. Contact: tgalanthay@ithaca.edu (Prof. Ted Galanthay)

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Department Assistant at jackerman@ithaca.edu or 4-3107. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.