With Our Powers Combined: An Introduction to p-Adic Numbers

Will Grodzicki will discuss p-adic numbers on Wednesday April 27 from 12:15-1 pm in Pardee 217.  come for the pizza, stay for the math!                                                                                                          Abstract:  ; ; ; . In order to solve each of these equations, we need to expand our notion of a number — from the integers to the rationals, the reals, the complex numbers, and the p-adic numbers, respectively. You have surely heard of the first three, but have you heard of the p-adics? If not, this talk is for you. Actually, this talk is for you either way. We’ll talk about what p-adic numbers look like, how to do arithmetic with them, and ultimately talk about why they matter.