A conversation about mathematics inspired by the pseudorhombicuboctahedron. Presented by Katie Steckles and Peter Rowlett.
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Mathematical Objects: Pseudorhombicuboctahedron
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- They each start with an unlimited number of coins of denominations: 1p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and 100p.
- They take it in turns putting coins into a pot one at a time.
- The winner is the person who places the final coin into the pot reaching the target total of £8.19.
- A player automatically loses if they exceed the target total.
Mathematical Objects: A pair of skipping ropes
A conversation about mathematics inspired by a pair of skipping ropes. Presented by Katie Steckles and Peter Rowlett.
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International Day of Mathematics
The UNESCO Executive Board decided in October 2018 to endorse a recommendation, coordinated by the International Mathematical Union, to proclaim an International Day of Mathematics on 14th March each year. This recommendation is on the agenda for the UNESCO General Conference in November 2019 an, if adopted, will have its first official celebration on 14th March 2020, where the proposed theme is ‘Mathematics is Everywhere‘.
Preparations in anticipation for the adoption seem to be heating up, with a publicity drive underway. The IDM website says it will share free materials, projects, ideas and software, as well as a map of worldwide events and gatherings, all in multiple languages and under open licenses. You can sign up for a “one or two emails per month at most” mailing list to keep informed.
More information: The IMU wants to make π Day the International Day of Mathematics (October 2018).
Wikithon for diversity in mathematics
Next Tuesday, October 8th, UCL Mathematics is hosting a Wikithon in celebration of Ada Lovelace Day from 5-7pm. The theme is Diversity in Mathematics, and the aim is to write Wikipedia articles about mathematicians from under-represented groups. The session will be led by Dr Jess Wade BEM (Imperial College, Physics) and Dr Alice White (Wellcome Trust).
Jess Wade was appointed BEM earlier this year for services to Gender Diversity in Science.
If you want to participate, you are asked to bring a laptop – pizza will be provided. You are asked to register (for free) for catering reasons.
Karen EDGE Fellowship Program
Karen Uhlenbeck has made a donation to the EDGE (Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education) Foundation which is to establish The Karen EDGE Fellowship Program. This aims “to support and enhance the research programs and collaborations of mid-career mathematicians who are U.S. citizens and members of a minority group that is underrepresented in the field of mathematics”.
The award consists of $8,000 per year for three years including funding for visits to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Further details and how to apply are available via the EDGE website. Applications are due by 1st February 2020, with three awardees announced by 1 May 2020.
Summer Maths Puzzles from the Isaac Newton Institute
There are a collection of 23 maths-based puzzles appearing at a rate of one-per-weekday through August over at the Isaac Newton Institute. Their website explains “They won’t require sophisticated maths to solve, but equally they won’t be easy. Discussing your ideas might help.”
For example, here is the teaser puzzle, £8.19:
Two players play a game.Given that they are both perfect logicians and strategists, who wins?
Answers will be revealed at the end of the month, and you are invited to submit your answers for a chance to be named as a person or group who submitted one of the first few correct answers.
At the time of writing, there are 6 puzzles still to be revealed, and 17 puzzles are live. Check out the Summer Maths Puzzles website, or search Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for #SummerMathsPuzzles.
Happy puzzling!
Mathematical Objects: Thermometer
A conversation about mathematics inspired by a thermometer. Presented by Katie Steckles and Peter Rowlett.
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