TBD

SMC – September 2015

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2015

Time: 1 – 3 pm

Location: RLM 4.102 (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Anna Szczekutowicz

Title: Exploring the Exponential and the Number e

Abstract: e is just a number, but its properties make it more interesting than most numbers. We will explore the properties of the number e that make it far from an ordinary number. From exponential growth to the series expansion of e, we will understand some of the properties that make the irrational number e so fascinating.

TBD

SMC – September 2015

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2015

Time: 1 – 3 pm

Location: RLM 4.102 (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Antonio Sodre

Title: Optical Illusions in Probability

Abstract: Probability appears everywhere in our daily life. In this talk we will show several instances where probability statements can trick us.

Files:
In-class handout
Slides

TBD

SMMG – October 2015

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015

Time: 10 am – noon

Location: RLM 4.102 (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Prof. François Baccelli

Title: Branching Processes

Abstract: The lecture will focus on one of the simplest probabilistic dynamics: branching processes. Such a process features one initial individual, which gives birth to a random number of offsprings. Each offspring in turn behaves in a probabilistic way like the initial individual, i.e. gives birth to a random number of offsprings, independently of everything else. The mathematical questions that will be discussed bear on the ultimate fate of the total population of individuals descended from the initial one. In particular the probability of extinction of the population will be discussed.

TBD

SMC – October 2015

Date: Sunday, October 18, 2015

Time: 1 pm – 3 pm

Location: RLM 4.102 (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Natasa Dragovic

Title: Cube and its Magic

Abstract: Cube is one of the simplest and most perfect and regular geometric objects. Cube appears in the every day life as well as in history, religion, mythology, sciences, art and games. In this lecture we will present problems related to the net, coloring and cutting of the cube. We will explore trajectories on the cube and look at figures we can create by using cubes. We will also take a look at some calculation problems in diverse topics and different levels of difficulty.

Files:
In-class handout
Slides

TBD

SMC – October 2015

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2015

Time: 1 pm – 3 pm

Location: RLM 4.102 (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Sean Carney

Title: Integration Made Easy

Abstract: The definite integral is one of the most fundamental notions that we have in calculus. It is an enormously powerful tool with a wide range of applications in many different areas of science and engineering. The standard limit definition presented in most calculus textbooks can be a bit daunting, but the basic idea behind the integral is rather simple. In this talk we will give some intuition for the definite integral, and show plenty examples of why we need it and how it is used.

Files:
In-class handout
Slides

TBD

SMMG – November 2015

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2015

Time: 10 am – noon

Location: RLM 4.102 (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Dr. Milica Čudina

Title: Graphs, Trees, and Random Walks

Abstract: We will look at a mathematical object designed to represent connectedness of a set of nodes. The nodes may be people, or electrical components, or cell towers, or something abstract. The connections may denote relationships, or electrical wires, or ... As most things do, these "networks" take on a life of their own. We will explore some fun illustrations of how a simple idea can depict a bunch of diverse phenomena. 

AMC 10/12

The AMC 8 exam

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Time: 7 – 8 pm
Location: RLM 7.104 (On the UT campus)

Check our AMC page to learn more or to register!

SMMG will also be hosting the AMC 10/12 in the spring.

TBD

Sunday Math Circle – November 2015

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2015

Time: 1 pm – 3 pm

Location: RLM 7.116 (not our usual room) (On the UT campus)

Speaker: Dr. Bill Wolesensky

Title: Predation and the Functional Response

Abstract: Inherent to understanding and mathematically modeling the relationship between predators and prey is being able to mathematically describe the rate at which each predator captures prey. We call the relationship between an individual predators’ rate of food consumption with respect to prey density the “functional response.” In 1959 C.S. Holling described three different functional responses, Type I, Type II, and Type III. We will discuss these functional responses and the details behind there derivation. In addition, to help better understand predation activities and the differences between these functional responses, we will break into groups and perform experiments that simulate predation.