DIMACS - RUTGERS EXPERIMENTAL MATHEMATICS SEMINAR

Sponsored by the Rutgers University Department of Mathematics and the
Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS)

Co-organizers:

Andrew Baxter, Rutgers University, baxter{at} math [dot] rutgers [dot] edu

Doron Zeilberger, Rutgers University, zeilberg {at} math [dot] rutgers [dot] edu

Title: 3x+1

Speaker: Doron Zeilberger, Rutgers University

Date: Thursday, May 6, 2010 5:00pm

Location: Hill Center, Room 705, Rutgers University, Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ

Abstract:

Paul Erdos once said that mathematics is not yet ready to tackle the notorious Collatz 3x+1 problem, and he was probably right, as far as purely human attempts are concerned. But I believe that a creative collaboration with machinekind may increase the chance of a proof from epsilon squared to epsilon, and even if we don't find a proof, trying it out should be fun. Note: This is a "rerun" of the Erdos Memorial Lecture delivered on March 27, 2010, 8:00-9:00pm at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Spring Southeastern Section Meeting. It is given again for the benefit of those who couldn't make it there.