Join us Wednesday October 21, 2009 at 1pm for Joyati Debnath, presetation titled π, e and prime numbers. Debnath is a Professor in the Mathematics and Statistics Department at Winona State University.
In mathematics, certain numbers are called rational numbers and certain numbers are called irrational numbers. Some irrational numbers are very popular namely π and e. The concept of irrationality was clearly expressed in the Sulba Satras (literally, “Aphorisms of the Chords” in Vedic Sanskrit) in India in 7th century BC. Manava (750 BC-690 BC), a Vedic priest and a skilled craftsman, wrote Sulba Satras to provide rules for religious rites and detailed accurate construction of altars needed for sacrifices. It contained constructions of circles from rectangles and squares from circles giving approximate values of π. This presentation will elaborate on the early history of the existence of π, e and their connection with the prime numbers, which is both fascinating and intriguing. Students and faculty at all levels and disciplines across the campus will find something interesting in this presentation.
The Athenaeum is located on the second floor of the WSU Library, bluff side. The event is free and open to the public.
For the complete Fall 2009 Athenaeum schedule and for additional information about the Athenaeum, please visit the following:http://www.winona.edu/library/athenaeum/
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