About:

A public lecture for curious people of any age by
Benson Farb, Chicago

Whether you like it or not, polynomials run your life : almost every equation that describes the world is either a polynomial or is well-approximated by a polynomial.  In 2500 years of studying polynomials, we've learned a lot, but polynomials still have mysteries to reveal.  Mathematicians are now understanding solutions to polynomial equations in a vastly more profound way than has been done in the past. They are doing this by relating polynomials to configuration spaces (e.g. of satellites orbiting the Earth, or of robots on a factory floor), to braids, to hyperplanes, and more. Most remarkably, these seemingly disparate topics are all part of one beautiful, profound, intertwined picture.

Doors open at 17:45. The talk will be followed by an informal reception to which all ticket holders are invited.