Events for 04/21/2014 from all calendars
Time: 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Location: Blocker 624
Speaker: Mahir Can, Tulane
Title:
Maxson Lecture Series
Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: BLOC 117
Speaker: Bjorn Poonen, MIT
Title: Undecidability in number theory
Abstract: Hilbert's Tenth Problem asked for an algorithm that, given a multivariable polynomial equation with integer coefficients, would decide whether there exists a solution in integers. Around 1970, Matiyasevich, building on earlier work of Davis, Putnam, and Robinson, showed that no such algorithm exists. But the answer to the analogous question with integers replaced by rational numbers is still unknown, and there is not even agreement among experts as to what the answer should be.