JOINT MATHEMATICS COLLOQUIUMUNIVERSITY OF IDAHOWASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY |
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Abstract |
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| Dr. Weill will present some of his favorite
mathematical problems. The statement of each one is easily
understood. Some have surprising results. Some have subtly
flawed reasoning, and others have elegantly simple but non-obvious
solutions. Examples include a surprising reversal of a
cardinality inequality, how to use a fair coin to generate an event
with any desired probability in the most efficient way, a four-color
theorem for pennies, two probability arguments having flaws that are
difficult to explain, and a seemingly airtight logical deduction
resulting in a conclusion that is clearly false. All of the problems involve elementary mathematics, including logic, probability, algebra, geometry, and calculus. The talk is directed primarily to undergraduate students in mathematics and the sciences, but should appeal to graduate students and faculty as well.
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