Department of Mathematics
Colloquium Series
The NDSU Mathematics Graduate Program
with Discussion of the Riemann Zeta Function
Dr. Friedrich Littmann
Department of Mathematics
North Dakota State University
The series
1
1
1
+ x + x + ···
x
2
3
4
defines one of the most famous functions in mathematics, the Riemann zeta function. It was introduced by Leonard Euler in the first half of the 18th century in
his study of prime numbers. In 1859 Bernhard Riemann found a fundamental
connection between the zeros of ζ and the number of primes up to a given size,
and he formulated a conjecture, the Riemann hypothesis, which is still unsolved
today. The first part of this talk investigates the connection between ζ and prime
numbers and introduces some of the research questions related to ζ. This will be
accessible to anyone with some calculus knowledge.
ζ(x) = 1 +
In the second part I will talk about obtaining a Ph.D. in Mathematics and introduce the graduate program in Mathematics at North Dakota State University.
Any student considering graduate school in mathematics is encouraged to attend.
Before the talk, Dr. Littmann will be available for questions beginning at 2:45pm
in Cowley 102. Tea and cookies will be provided!
Friday, November 14th
3:30pm, Room 1401
All Welcome to Attend
Centennial Hall