Off on a Tangent
A Fortnightly Electronic Newsletter from the Hope College Department of Mathematics
  January 20, 2010 Vol. 8, No. 7 
http://www.math.hope.edu/newsletter.html


The first colloquium of the semester will look at the game Lights Out


Title: Using Linear Algebra to Turn Out the Lights
Speaker: Prof. Darin Stephenson, Hope College Mathematics Department
Time: Thursday, January 21 at 4:00 p.m.
Place: VWF 104

Abstract:  We study the puzzle Lights Out on certain classes of finite graphs and use this to give insight as to how linear algebra can help solve problems in discrete networks.  We will cover the basic structures and results involved in linear algebra modulo a natural number k and how these can be applied in the solution of the puzzle in question.  No prior experience with abstract linear algebra will be assumed---only a familiarity with basic matrix operations such as matrix addition and multiplication.  Results will include work done by undergraduate students in summer 2008.


Prof. DeYoung wins teaching award

Prof. Mary DeYoung was recently awarded the Janet L. Andersen Excellence in Teaching Award.  She was recognized for her work and perseverance in preparing pre-service elementary teachers for careers in education through her teaching as well as by serving as the official academic advisor for many mathematics elementary-education majors and as an informal advisor for other elementary students.  She has spoken at a variety of national professional meetings concerning the teaching of mathematics and the preparation of mathematics teachers, and her numerous publications include the cover article in the October 2009 edition of Teaching Mathematics in Middle School.




Free college credit in biostatistics

For students who enjoy applied mathematics/statistics and are interested in taking those skills and applying them to a variety of biological disciplines (public health, pharmaceuticals, genetics, microbiology, ecology, etc.) the highly ranked biostatistics field is worth considering.  Students interested in biostatistics should strongly consider participating in the free Summer Institute of Biostatistics (a free tuition, room, board) program that gives college credit.  For more information on the program, as well as information on a recommended course of study and research opportunities in biostatistics at Hope, go here and talk with Prof. Tintle.




Math Club News

Hello math clubbers!  I hope you had a restful break.  We will be having our first meeting of the semester this Thursday, January 21 at 7:00 in VZN 298. 

We have started a volleyball team.  If you are interested in joining, send an email to kimberly.klask@hope.edu, and you will be added to the roster. 

Also, there are t-shirt sign-ups going around; don't miss your chance to sign up and get one. 

Hope to see you all at the meeting this week!


Summer Research

It is time to start thinking about summer!  The mathematics department will host a number of research students this summer.  Typically projects run for eight weeks and students earn a stipend for their participation.  Projects include work in the areas of geometry, statistics, mathematical modeling, and mathematics education.

Descriptions of research projects can be currently found at the online application site: http://sharp.hope.edu/.  If you are interested in applying for summer research at Hope, please talk to any of the math professors.  You need to apply soon.  



Problem Solvers of the Fortnight

The previous Problem of the Fortnight (from last semester) was as follows:

Abby and Becca were full-time students at the State University of Michigan (SUM) during the fall and spring semesters of 2008-09; full-time means each one took at least 12 credits each semester, and assume a maximum of 20 credits per semester for each student.

In Fall 2008, Abby's GPA was greater than Becca's.  In Spring 2009, Abby's GPA was also greater than Becca's.

Therefore, we conclude that Abby's combined GPA for Fall and Spring 2008-09 was greater than Becca's combined GPA for Fall and Spring 2008-09.

Give a counterexample to show that the above conclusion is false; that is, give an example where Becca's combined GPA is higher than Abby's even though Abby's GPA is higher for both the Fall and the Spring.

Congratulations to the following students that found a counterexample: Seth Coffing, Alessandro Stella, Tommy Waalkes, Gabe Courey, Michael Bowerman, Eric Weber, Jim Flanagan, Matt Trelenberg, Zach Anderson, Dan Waldo, Ryan Martinex Andrea Eddy, Lydia Baxter-Potter, Christine Gobrogge, Josh Roberts, Taylor Pratt, Nick Gezon, Brooke McBride, Nick Hazekamp, Justin Hanselman, Milan Kulics, Jeff Corajod, Zach Petroelje, Tim McCoy, Brian Ward, Stew Harlow, Andrea Dimet, John Lloyd, Matt Brown, Matt Raban, Justin Knutter, Ron Radcliffe, Laura LaFountain, Jessica Frey, Eric Engerman, Joshua Borycz, Tabatha Hipshear, Rachel Diephouse, Ben Thomas, Rob Peterson, Charlie Matrosic, Elesha Wagenmaker Matt Eiles, Luke Peterson, Nick Campbell, Nate Bowerman, Adam Alexander, Ross Heveveld, Amanda Witte, Xisen Hou, Howie Dobbs, TJ Klein, Morgan Smith, Brad Hekman, Allie Cerone, Luke Dishnow, Daniel Simpson, Mark Karam, Marcus Bradstreet, Eric Lunderberg, Nick Boersma, Tim Nagi, Zach Mitchell, Curtis Drozd, Dale Shephard, Scott DeClaire, Kim Slotman, Paul Brucker, Kelsey Bos, Lauren Miller, Trevor Kishbaugh, Jake Cooke, Alex Timmer, Josh Franz, and Neal Schutt.


Problem of the Fortnight


Suppose that you have an unlimited supply of 4 cent stamps and 9 cent stamps  What amounts can’t you make with these stamps?

Write your solution on the back of a 9 cent postage stamp and drop it off in the official Problem of the Fortnight slot outside Dr. Pearson's office by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29.  As always, be sure to include your name, the name(s) of your professor(s), and your math class(es) -- e.g. Gail Storm, Professor Phil Harmonic, Math 153 -- on your solution.  Good luck, and have fun!





To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.

Steve Prefontaine
Off on a Tangent