Curious fractions - a view through
the ages
Dr. Tushar Das
Mathematics Department
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
We’ll begin with the ancient division algorithm ascribed to Euclid which naturally
leads to the notion of a continued fraction and pause to explore a couple of viewpoints
taken in the last century towards understanding this classical object and deciphering
the information it encodes. The study of continued fractions continues to this day with
a gamut of unresolved problems pointing at various directions for future research. If
there is time I will try and sketch some of the interfaces between this classical topic and
my own research interests in geometry, topology and dynamical systems. This will be
a general talk aimed at undergraduates from all backgrounds with the barest minimum
of any serious mathematical preparation – the main prerequisite being curiosity. Come
one, come all!
Friday, October 16th
Time:3:30-4:30pm
All Welcome to Attend
Cowley Hall 156