Peter Sarnak - Patterns in Number Theory - Misleading or True? - SUMS 2021 Math and Illusion

Patterns in Number Theory - Misleading or True?

Peter Sarnak, Princeton University

Abstract:

The theory of numbers offers a fertile ground for finding patterns and conjectures. Large data samples can be misleading and in many cases what is true remains speculative. We will discuss a few examples in the theory of prime numbers and diophantine equations.

Brown University's Symposium for Undergraduates in the Mathematical Sciences (SUMS) has been held annually since 2002. Our goal is to foster greater undergraduate interest and scholarship in mathematics by demonstrating the ubiquity of mathematics throughout the sciences. We also aim to provide an environment in which motivated undergraduates can come together to share their own work and learn from distinguished faculty and researchers from around the country. Find out more at https://sites.google.com/brown.edu/sums/ or email us at [email protected]

March 14, 2021
Brown University