Contact information
Name:
C. Jayne Trent
Email:
trentj@lafayette.edu
When:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 4:15pm - 5:15pm
Where:
Pardee 217
Presenter:
Daniel Halmrast, Lafayette
Price:
Free
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Abstract:The problem of Apollonius is an ancient problem in geometry: given three circles on the plane, can a circle be constructed which is tangent to all three? For some configurations there are no solutions, while for others there are as much as eight solutions that can be constructed. This problem is an example of an enumerative problem, where we are interested in counting certain geometric objects or configurations. We will attack Apollonius’ problem with some modern techniques from algebraic geometry, and explore some of the rich geometry hiding therein. |
This approach to the problem is taken from Eisenbud and Harris “3264 and all that”, chapter 2.3. We will not assume any prior knowledge of algebraic geometry or abstract algebra.
Sponsored by:
Dept. of Mathematical Sciences