These talks will be self-contained presentations of mathematical concepts
and theorems. They are intended to be accessible to all mathematics
students. Coffee, tea and drinks will be provided.
Tuesday 2nd October, 2001
1:00 pm, Science Lecture Theatre S14
New ways to solve quadratic equations,
Dr Michael A B Deakin
School of Mathematical Sciences
Monash University
How many different ways do you know for solving quadratic equations?
Probably two: factorisation and completion of the square. This talk
will illustrate a family of other techniques ( in all), will say why we
would ever bother to develop them, and will reveal how all this relates
to a Queensland judge, the Manchester Literary and Philosophical
Society, and Wolfram Research Inc.