Session: Plenary Talks
Subject Area: Other
- Francis Su*, Harvey Mudd College
My Favorite Math Fun Facts
For several years, I have been collecting ``Math Fun Facts'', which are juicy math tidbits that I have been using to start off math classes as a warm-up activity. Math Fun Facts are can be from any area of mathematics, can be presented in less than 5 minutes, and are meant to arouse my... - Tevian Dray*, Oregon State University
The Geometry of Relativity
The geometry of special relativity can be neatly described using hyperbolic trigonometry. The geometry of general relativity can be similarly described using differentials and differential forms.
This talk presents an excursion through both special and general relativity, emphasizing geometric... - Francis Su*, Harvey Mudd College
Combinatorial Fixed Point Theorems
The Brouwer fixed point theorem and the Borsuk-Ulam theorem are beautiful and well-known theorems of topology that admit combinatorial analogues: Sperner's lemma and Tucker's lemma. In this talk, I will trace recent connections and generalizations of these combinatorial theorems,... - Gwen Fisher*, beAd Infinitum
Mathematical Bead Weaving
Weaving beads with a needle and thread provides an excellent method for creating aesthetically pleasing mathematical models. Many sorts of mathematical objects can be represented with woven bead work, including those from geometry, tiling theory, algebra (symmetry), and topology. In this talk, I...
Session: General Papers
Subject Area: Geometry
- Daniel J Heath*, Pacific Lutheran University
Straightedge & Compass Constructions in Spherical Geometry
We examine straightedge and compass constructions in spherical geometry. We show via examples that the starting conditions affect the outcome. Although current tools do not allow for a complete solution, we take a tour through group theory and real analysis to show that, in general, the set of... - Jennifer McLoud-Mann*, University of Washington Bothell
Casey Mann, University of Washington Bothell
i-Block Transitive Tilings by Convex Pentagons
The problem of classifying the convex pentagons that admit tilings of the plane is a long-standing unsolved problem. There are 14 known distinct kinds of pentagons that admit tilings of the plane. Five of these known types admit tile-transitive tilings. The remaining 9 known types admit either 2-...
Subject Area: Probability and Statistics
- Terri Torres*, Oregon Tech
Teaching Probability with Categorical Data
Help students explore the rules of probability with one interesting data set. Is there a statistically significant dependence between variables? What is joint and marginal probability? Is there an easy way to comprehend conditional probability? All of these questions and more can be answered... - Gail Nord*, Gonzaga University
The Prisoner’s Paradox
Abstract: On the television show, Let’s Make A Deal, the announcer, Monty Hall, asks a contestant to pick one of three curtains/screens. A new car is hidden behind one the curtains. Monty Hall opens one of the two remaining curtains, showing it does not have the car. He asks the contestant if he/...
Subject Area: Algebra
- Robert Benim*, Pacific University
Mark Hunnell, North Carolina State University
Amanda Sutherland, North Carolina State University
Isomorphy classes of finite order automorphisms of SL(2,k)
In this talk, we consider the order m k-automorphisms of Sl(2,k). We first characterize the form that order $m$ k-automorphisms of Sl(2,k) will take and then we find simple conditions on matrices $A$ and $B$ involving eigenvalues and the field that the entries of $A$ and $B$ lie in that are...
Subject Area: Logic and Foundations
- Logan Axon*, Gonzaga University
Martin-Lof randomness for Bernoulli measures
Continuous maps on Cantor space induce maps between measures on the space. Mauldin has answered the question of when two Bernoulli measures are related by such a map by giving a purely number-theoretic condition on the parameters of the measures. The proof of this result is constructive and hence...
Subject Area: Topology
- Steven Beres*, Gonzaga University
Kaia Hlavacek, Gonzaga University
Klein Links and Related Torus Links
Klein links form a classification of links which may be embedded across the surface of a Klein bottle. That is, a Klein link is a set of interlocking mathematical knots which may be drawn across the surface of a Klein bottle without intersection. This particular classification of links has not... - Courtney Thatcher*, University of Puget Sound
Orbifolds via Groupoids
Orbifolds are generalizations of manifolds that allow certain singularities. They were originally defined using charts and atlases, similar to manifolds, but working with these atlases is hard, particularly when dealing with maps between orbifolds. Orbifolds can alternatively be defined using...
Subject Area: Other
- Tevian Dray*, Oregon State University
Putting differentials back into calculus
The use of differentials in introductory calculus courses provides a unifying theme which leads to a coherent view of calculus. We show in particular how differentials can be used to determine the derivatives of trigonometric and exponential functions, without the need for limits, numerical... - Peter Horak*, University of Washington Tacoma
Some Current Trends in Cryptography
In this short contribution we will briefly mention:
(i) So called side-channel attacks on RSA public cryptosystem, one of the most frequently used ciphers;
(ii) Impact that scalable quantum computers will have, once they become available, on all deployed public key cryptosystems and electronic...
Subject Area: Number Theory
- Michael Spivey*, University of Puget Sound
Tom Edgar, Pacific Lutheran University
Multiplicative Functions and Generalized Binomial Coefficients
The binomial coefficient $\binom{n+m}{n}$ can be thought of as $\dfrac{f(1) \cdots f(n+m)}{\left(f(1) \cdots f(n)\right) \left( f(1) \cdots f(m) \right)}$, where $f(j) = j$. We can generalize the binomial coefficient by considering functions $f$ other than the identity function. In particular,... Tom Edgar*, Pacific Lutheran University
Michael Spivey, University of Puget Sound
Families of Generalized Catalan NumbersBinomial coefficients, when defined as quotients of partial products of the natural numbers, can be generalized to any nonzero integer sequence, but the resulting ratios cannot be expected to be integers. As will be demonstrated in another talk, if a sequence is both multiplicative and divisible,...
Subject Area: Control Theory and Optimization
- Ryan Card*, University of Washington Tacoma
The Lion and the Man
A lion and a man in a closed circular arena have equal maximum speeds. The lion wishes to catch the man while the man tries to evade capture. Who has the winning strategy? We will discuss the incorrect "solution" which stood for more than 20 years, its error, and the surprising answer...
Subject Area: Lie Groups and Lie Algebras
- David Sprehn*, University of Washington Seattle
Cohomology of Finite General Linear Groups
I will give a survey of what's known (very little!) about the mod-p cohomology of the general linear groups over finite fields of order $p^r$. I'll briefly describe a recent construction of a new class in (lowest possible) degree $r(2p-3)$, valid more generally for finite groups of Lie...
Session: Open Source X
- Daniel J Heath*, Pacific Lutheran University
Geometry Playground (Not Published)
We demonstrate Open Source software Geometry Playground v 1.5 and encourage contributions.
This software allows straightedge and compass constructions in Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. - David Straayer*, Tacoma Community College
Open Educational Resources in Math – including a report of success using an open textbook for introductory statistics
Tacoma Community College recently adopted Kathryn Kozak's "Statistics Using Technology" for its introduction to statics course. In addition to saving the students significant expense (under \$20 vs over \$190), we're finding it empowers a return to an ancient now nearly lost... - Dibyajyoti Deb*, Oregon Institute of Technology
Joe Reid*, Oregon Institute of Technology
Cristina Negoita*, Oregon Institute of Technology
David Rosoff*, College of Idaho
Robin Cruz*, College of Idaho
Jim Fischer*, Oregon Institute of Technology
A Comprehensive Introduction to Using WeBWorK
WeBWorK is a well-tested, free homework system for delivering individualized problems over the web. It was originally developed in 1995 by Professors Arnold Pizer and Michael Gage at the Department of Mathematics at the University of Rochester. A team of developers from a number of institutions now... - William Stein*, University of Washington
SageMathCloud -- collaboratively use Sage, IPython, LaTeX, and terminals in your browse
I am a professor in the mathematics department at UW, and the founder of SageMath, Inc. In 2005, I founded SageMath, which is the main large open source pure mathematics research software (and is often used in undergraduate teaching), with many hundreds of contributors. Sage is an open source... - Robert Beezer*, University of Puget Sound
Authoring Open Source Mathematics Textbooks
Despite there being many excellent tools for authoring, producing and distributing open source textbooks, it is still a technical challenge to self-publish a mathematics textbook. This is especially true now that there are so many options for output formats: print, PDF, web, and EPUB to name some...
Session: Social Justice
- David Straayer*, Tacoma Community College
The revolt against Algebra II (including StatWay experience)
Many institutions, including the University of Washington, Seattle, require that a student has successfully completed an Intermediate Algebra course in order to be considered for admission.
An yet the world is full of people who say things like "I never could pass that algebra course"... - Paul McCreary*, The Evergreen State College
Anthony Zaragoza, The Evergreen State College
Reparations as a Theme for a joint Mathematics-Political Economy Course
We will describe experiences in teaching a course titled Calculating the Value of Reparations and the History of Mathematics. The issues of reparations is in the recent news, e.g. fourteen Caribbean nations suing for slavery reparations and Greece requesting additional WWII reparations. Reparations...
Session: Active Learning Symposium
Subject Area: Other
- Chuck Dunn*, Linfield College
Leading Off-Campus Courses for Math Students
I will discuss two courses I have developed and led with undergraduate mathematics students. The first follows in the footsteps of Leonhard Euler and considers a small part of his impact in a few fields of mathematics. The course starts in St. Petersburg, Russia, then moves to Berlin, Germany,...
Subject Area: Mathematics Education
- Jennifer Nordstrom*, Linfield College
Using Game Theory to Foster Inquiry and Writing
Linfield College requires an Inquiry Seminar of all first-year students. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to academic discourse through writing. As the course title suggests, it motivates writing as a means of posing interesting questions and providing reasoned arguments to... - Matt Roscoe*, University of Montana
Prospective Elementary School Teachers' Reconceptualization of Factors
Research on pre-service elementary school teachers’ (PSTs’) understanding of the multiplicative structure of number shows that PSTs struggle to use prime factorization to identify a number’s factors. This study investigates the benefits of a sequence of three instructional tasks aimed at... - Craig McBride*, University of Washington
How to use Active Learning Activities in a Flipped Mathematics Classroom
This discussion contains a description of my experiences flipping undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses for the first time with some advice for any fellow novice flippers. I discuss ways to start small and build up to a completely flipped class over the span of a few terms with advice on...
Session: NUMS Student Presentations and Poster Session
Subject Area: Mathematics Applications in the Sciences
- Agnes Guerry*, Shoreline Community College
The Calculus of Rainbows (Not Published)
Rainbows are created when raindrops scatter sunlight. They have fascinated mankind since ancient times and have inspired attempts at scientific explanation since the time of Aristotle. In this project we use the ideas of Descartes and Newton to explain the shape, location, and colors of rainbows.
Subject Area: Geometry
- Jonathan David Evenboer*, Oregon State University
Geometric Analysis of Topology of 1-Manifolds of Constant Curvature
We explore and compare, via geometric methods, the topology of the hyperbolic-unit interval and the spherical-unit interval with respect to the Euclidean-unit interval. We do so using analysis of the density of rational and irrational numbers in the real plane by employing methods of refraction... - Colin Gavin*, Lewis & Clark College
Mean Curvature Flow of Tori of Revolution
Mean curvature flow is the $L^2$ gradient flow of the volume functional on embedded surfaces. As a nonlinear system of parabolic equations, its behavior is quite complicated, but generally solutions become more spherical over time as their volume decreases. The evolution of tori under this flow is... - Alvaro Francisco Manuel*, Western Oregon University
Shooting Pool
Many people are familiar with the game of Billiards, commonly known as pool. We will consider a simple version of this game consisting of just the cue ball, cue stick, and table. The ball is shot at a 45 degree angle from the lower left hand corner. In this talk, we will find a general formula for... - Tara Hanst*, Southern Oregon University
The Stereographic Cylindrical Spherical Projection
The representation of a sphere, or spherical object such as the Earth, on a Euclidean plane has been of interest to mathematicians, cartographers, and navigators for centuries and, as a result, many different spherical projection methods have been developed. This presentation will explore the... - Albany Thompson*, Central Washington University
Constant Vector Curvature in Three Dimensions
Differential geometry is the use of the techniques and tools of calculus to study the geometric properties of manifolds. One of the most commonly studied properties of manifolds their curvature. We can measure the curvature of a manifold at a point by using a metric called an algebraic curvature... - Lorna Fullmer*, George Fox University
Integer Solutions to Box Optimization Problems
Box optimization problems (how to find the maximum volume of a box from its dimensions) have been discussed in calculus classes for years. This talk will discuss the insights given by an article, written by Vincent E. Coll, Jeremy Davis, Martin Hall, Colton Magnant, James Stankewicz, and Hua Wang... - Duong Nguyen*, University of Washington Tacoma
Circumscribed polygons and circles
Starting with a one unit circle, circumscribed by a regular triangle, circumscribed by a circle outside, circumscribed by a square, circumscribed by a circle, circumscribed by a regular pentagon and so on by circles and regular polygon. Will the radius of the circle diverge or converge when we...
Subject Area: Topology
- Christopher Cericola*, Seattle University
Colin Murphy*, Seattle University
Permuted Petal Projections
In our talk, we will present the idea of a multicrossing projection of a knot and the specific projection called the petal projection. A petal projection is a projection of the knot containing a single crossing. Imagine that we have such a diagram where we do not know which strand is on top of... - Izaak Berg*, University of Washington - Bothell
Sphere Number of Simple Hexagonal Lattice
Lattices are collections of points in 3-space generated by integral linear combinations of vectors in 3-space. Lattices naturally occur as the centers of solid polyhedra that tesselate 3-space. The simple hexagonal lattice is the collection of centers of hexagonal prisms that tesselate 3-space, or...
Subject Area: Mathematical Physics
- Anthony Podvin*, Heritage University
David Laman, Heritage University
Aric Washines, Heritage University
Sarah Moats, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Characterization of the Elliptical Pendulum
The relationship between the oscillation period and the length of a simple pendulum is well known. Other more complex pendulums such as physical, double, and inverted pendulums have been thoroughly examined as well. We present here, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, a systematic...
Subject Area: Ordinary Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems
- Ryan Magee*, Gonzaga
Differential Models of Parachuting Dynamics
The United States Air Force has a need for parachute operations which will work outside the scope of the current parachute systems. These operations can be constructed to mimic certain egress conditions, the end goal is always to obtain complete, unhindered openings of the parachute and a safe... - Victor Rielly*, Pacific University
Solving Ordinary Differential Equations
We present a few rudimentary and general methods of solving first order linear and nonlinear differential equations which satisfy a specific form. We present general tests which can be run on the differential equations in question. If the equations satisfy the tests, the solutions to the... - Samantha Fall*, Gonzaga University
Differential Equations & CAS's: An Encounter with Uniquness
In this talk we discuss the danger of ignoring uniqueness criteria when solving an initial value problem either by a traditional pencil and paper approach or with computer algebra systems (CAS's). In particular, we consider both an exact ordinary first-order differential equation and one that... - Allison Fisher*, Gonzaga University
From rice fields to wheat fields: modeling the effects of herbivore and predator vitality on crop yields
The idea of agricultural intensification is what defines modern agriculture in that it uses technological advances in order to increase productivity. The goal of this project was to examine through mathematical modeling how agricultural intensification through driving herbivore-predator...
Subject Area: COMAP MCM
- Zach Nilsson*, Eastern Oregon University
Jeremy Bard*, Eastern Oregon University
Katie Hamann, Eastern Oregon University
A Whole-Ebola-Trouble
In this talk we develop a mathematical model that not only fits the current Ebola outbreak, but also extrapolates the situation by considering the spread of the disease, the quantities of drug necessary, rate of drug synthesis, systems and locations of drug delivery, and any other critical factors... - Graham Romero*, Linfield College
Delaney Aydel*, Linfield College
Alleta Maier*, Linfield College
LOST: Finding an Oceanic Flight for Dummies
Our approach for finding a missing oceanic flight begins with modeling the most probable locale of said flight. To do so, we use our model to plot a projected region in which the plane likely first made contact with the water. Then our model breaks this region into smaller objects that flow with... - Grant Cates*, Linfield College
Zakaria El Amrani Elidrissi, Linfield College
Thomas Shearer, Linfield College
Looking to MARS to Locate Missing Aircraft
Locating aircraft that have crashed in open water is a monumental task. The recent disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 underscores the importance of having a robust, yet flexible response system in place. In this paper, we outline a recommendation to the Obama Administration for the... - Lauren DeVore*, Linfield College
Alexander Ogle*, Linfield College
James Knox*, Linfield College
Using Aircraft Trajectory and Ocean Surface Vectors to Assist in Locating Lost Vessels
We present a model developed for the COMAP Mathematical Competition in Modeling to assist in searching for aircraft assumed to have crashed in open water. We began by determining all potential and most probable crash locations based on the plane’s trajectory and when and where its ACARS ‘handshake... - Daniel Takamori*, Oregon State University
Clarice Mottet*, Oregon State University
James Rekow*, Oregon State University
SIR Model for 2015 COMAP
We construct and analyze three models for the spread of ebola within a single city. One model
was a standard Susceptible, Infected, Recovered (SIR) model with natural births and deaths
(deaths not due to ebola) and deaths due to ebola. We then extended this model two other
models that...
Subject Area: Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science
- Daniel Bladow*, Gonzaga University
Artificial Intelligence of Modern Board Games: Battle Line
Many turn based board games played by computers use game state trees to determine what moves to make. Traversing through game state trees can be extremely time consuming, especially if the game involves random factors such as a deck of cards. Battle Line is a game where two players are competing... - Sarah Prata*, Gonzaga
Modeling Mathematical Formulas with Computational Art
The purpose of this project is to represent mathematical summations and recurrence relations, visualizing the sum by generating a work of art. This project was inspired by recurrent complex patterns in both art and nature. Simple manipulations of famous recurrence relations, such as the Fibonacci... - Levi Altringer*, Linfield College
Competitive Tiling
Competitive Tiling consists of two players, a tile set, a region, and a non-negative integer $d$. Alice and Bob, our two players, alternate placing tiles on the untiled squares of the region. They play until no more tiles can be placed. Alice wins if at most $d$ squares are untiled at the end of... - Brian Crabtree*, UW Tacoma
RSA: Because Factoring is Hard (Not Published)
A brief overview of RSA, including who, what, when, why, and how, with examples. Spoiler: it isn't perfect, and relies on certain assumptions. The algorithm will be presented, with some examples of the limitations and pertinent attacks.
Subject Area: Probability and Statistics
- Alan Thuy*, Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Narayani Choudhury, Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Mathematical Modeling of Social Media : Descriptive Statistics and Poisson Regression Analysis of Facebook Data
Social media platforms offer excellent opportunities for real life Mathematical modeling, Data science and Math education. We carried out detailed descriptive statistics and a Poisson regression analysis of Facebook data. We used cluster sampling to infer about the population. The five number... - Nicole Welch*, Western Oregon University
Deck Manipulation Through Perfect Shuffles
Perfect shuffles on a deck of cards perfectly interleave the cards. Out-shuffles leave the top and bottom card in the same positions, while in-shuffles do not. When in and out shuffles are combined, a card can be moved from any place in the deck to any other position the shuffler desires. This... - Lane Thomason*, Southern Oregon University
Markov Chains
I shall briefly introduce what Markov Chains are and some theory behind how the transition matrix can be used. I will then apply the theory to an example that models the movement of pieces on a Monopoly board. Some examples of the theory I will demonstrate are finding and interpreting powers of the... - Allison Coleman*, George Fox University
Mary Fugle, George Fox University
Chutes And Ladders
Our talk explores the effect of the spinner size on the length of a game of Chutes and Ladders. Starting by considering the size of the game board, and then integrating the effects of the chutes and the ladders, one can predict the length of the game through mathematical process. This general idea... - Thomas Burns*, Southern Oregon University
Models for the Propagation of Uncertainty
Simple estimates of the level of uncertainty in a measurement (usually as relative or absolute error) are easy to calculate and understand, but when doing any sort of computation or inference using these measurements, things become quite a bit more complicated. This project explores several models... - Andrew Leise*, University of Washington Tacoma
Tzu Hsu*, University of Washington Tacoma
The Guessing Game
Ryan writes two distinct real numbers on two separate piece of papers and puts them into two envelopes. Ruth chooses one of the envelopes randomly and she must guess whether the other real number in the closed envelope is less than, or greater than, the one she picked. Most people would think that...
Subject Area: Algebra
- Kari Treese*, UW Tacoma
Josh Spires, UW Seattle
Matrices
Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a technique in matrix algebra used to factor a matrix into 2 sub-matrices. NMF proves to be very useful in data clustering and analyzing raw data. We will discuss research on the work of Berry et al. regarding factorization and analysis of the Enron email... - Christina Moorhead*, Western Oregon University
Insolvable Configurations of Peg Solitaire
Peg solitaire is a board game that has been played and studied for many years. Examination of the game offers an opportunity to explore a practical application of group theory. Through the use of the Klein Four Group, the insolvability of different board configurations will be examined. We will... - James Van Alstine*, Pacific Lutheran University
Hailey Olafson, Pacific Lutheran University
A Combinatorial Model for Rational Base Representations of Natural Numbers
Everyone is familiar with the standard base-10 representation of numbers; others may also be familiar with the binary representation of natural numbers useful for computing. In this talk, we discuss our summer research, which involves representing natural numbers using a rational number as the base... - Luis Solis-Bruno*, University of Washington Tacoma
The 400 Billion Dollar Algorithm
PageRank is an algorithm used by Google to present the user with the most important, helpful, or relevant pages first when they enter keywords or phrases into the search engine. We will introduce the algorithm, highlight key subjects of Linear and Matrix Algebra the algorithm implements, and run... - Giovanna Graciani*, University of Washington Tacoma
Singular Value Decomposition and its applications (Not Published)
Singular value decomposition (SVD) allows a transformation from matrix $A$ into product $U\Sigma V^T$ by first computing eigenvectors and eigenvalues. By computing $U\Sigma V^T$ we are able to refactor a digital image into singular values, which allows for the image to be represented by a smaller... - Kirsten Grace*, University of Washington Tacoma
Lisa Smith, University of Washington Tacoma
Finite Linear Games: Exploring Math Behind Puzzles
This talk explores using matrix algebra techniques to solve modulo restricted finite linear games. All finite linear games possess a definite number of game states; the state changes are predictable, tied to specific actions, and obey the commutative law. Solving these puzzles with a structured...
Subject Area: Number Theory
- Christopher Hartman*, Western Oregon University
Trapezoidal Numbers
Trapezoidal numbers are those which can be written as a sum of consecutive positive integers where the smallest number must be at least two. We will look at the mathematics behind trapezoidal numbers and how to find all such representations. We will give a clever construction which shows how each... - Kyle Peterson*, Western Oregon University
Pell's Equation and Continued Fractions
Pell's equation is the famous equation $dx^2+1=y^2$. We will use the continued fraction representation of the irrational numbers $\sqrt{d}$ to find solutions to this famous equation when $d$ is square-free.
Subject Area: Combinatorics
- Andy Fry*, Western Oregon University
Playing with Abelian Sandpiles
Imagine yourself on a beach, playing in the sand. You begin to make a sandpile by adding handfuls of sand. Now you consider dropping another grain of sand onto the pile but you don’t know what will happen. It may cause nothing to happen or it may cause the entire pile to collapse in a massive... - Hang Do*, Linfield college
Brent Moran, University of Colorado Denver
Timothy Singer, Linfield College
1-relaxed modular edge-sum labeling game number
Motivated in part by anti-magic labeling and similar schemes, we introduce a new graph labeling and derive from it a game on graphs called the \emph{1-relaxed modular edge-sum labeling game}.
The players, Alice and Bob, alternate turns with Alice going first. Each turn, the player chooses an... - Elizabeth Struxness*, Western Oregon University
List Coloring
Though some may be familiar with the topic of coloring from graph theory, few may be familiar with list coloring. List coloring is a generalization of coloring, where each vertex is assigned a list of available colors. In this talk, we will discuss the similarities and differences between coloring... - Logan Emonds*, Western Oregon University
Race to the Origin
Race to the Origin is a two player game where players take turns moving from a coordinate in the first quadrant toward the origin according to a specific set of rules. The first player to the origin wins. This is a variant of the game NIM. We will discuss the rules of play and give winning... - Derek Zeis*, Western Oregon University
Graph Theory and Sprouts
Games are a great way to learn a new subject. Sprouts is a game that uses graph theory in many ways. In order to explore how moves are made, and how to restrict the bound for the number of moves requires graph theory. Along with graph theory, combinatorial game theory plays a role in determining a...
Subject Area: Control Theory and Optimization
- Camarie Campfield*, Western Oregon University
Portfolio Optimization: A Modeling Perspective
Investing is critical in the business world and is an avenue to make profit for many. Making the decisions of what to invest in involves intricate mathematics in order to reduce risk. We investigate portfolio optimization, which is a branch of economic and financial modeling that typically has the...
Subject Area: Algebraic and Complex Geometry
- Cody Paulson*, Eastern Oregon University
Matt Chatham*, Eastern Oregon University
Dominic Clay, Eastern Oregon University
Joel Jacobs, Eastern Oregon University
Amy Yielding, Eastern Oregon University
A Practical Introduction to Stick Knot Theory
Knots have been used throughout human history, from tethering boats to tying your shoes. Knot theory formalizes the nature and properties of knots. This talk will introduce participants to the history, fundamentals, and applications of a subset of knot theory, stick knots, using interactive... - Joel Jacobs*, Eastern Oregon University
Dominic Clay*, Eastern Oregon University
Cody Paulson, Eastern Oregon University
Matt Chatham, Eastern Oregon University
Amy Yielding, Eastern Oregon University
Untangling the Theory Behind Stick Knots and Their Pseudo Projections
In this talk we describe our research into stick knots and projections of stick knots undertaken by our undergraduate research group at Eastern Oregon University during Summer 2014-Winter 2015. Our goal was to find a method, or several methods, for identifying which 2-D projections of stick knots...
Subject Area: Logic and Foundations
- Andrew Spivey*, George Fox University
Jacob Lohr*, George Fox University
Knights, Knaves, Normals, Neutrals, and Nonsense: An Examination of Paradoxes on Tripledonia
We are taking Jason Rosenhouse's article "Knights, Knaves, Normals, and Neutrals" (The College Mathematics Journal Vol. 45, No. 4 (September 2014) (pp. 297-306)) and applying his concepts to various paradoxes. - Doug DePrekel*, Central Washington University
The Chipset Problem
This talk explores subsets of the integers, called chipsets, that are subject to an iteratively defined constraint. We will establish a test to determine whether a subset of the integers is a chipset and use this to determine whether various sets are chipsets.
Subject Area: Mathematics Education
- Edward Hernandez-Corchado*, George Fox University
The Intermediate Value Theorem-Obvious or Not?
Many Calculus I instructors often do not prove the The Intermediate Value Theorem because it seems intuitive and obvious to both the instructor and the students. Moreover, the proof can be complicated. The talk addresses why the IVT is not as obvious through examples and the benefits of having the...
Session: Mathematical Modeling
Subject Area: Partial Differential Equations
- Malley Nason*, Linfield College
Asymptotic Behavior of Traveling Wave Solutions to Reaction-Diffusion Equations
We will discuss travelling wave solutions to reaction-diffusion equations of the form:
$u_t=u_xx+ u^p (1-u^q)$
which can be used as a mathematical model for various biological phenomena, as well as to model problems in combustion theory. We identify conditions on the wave speed so that travelling... - Frank Lynch*, Eastern Washington University
Gretchen North, Occidental College
Deconstructed Conductance: Axial and Radial Contributions to Water Flow
A measured value of total hydraulic conductance in the tank bromeliad Guzmania lingulata is decomposed into separate conductances in the axial and radial directions. This decomposition uses the numerical solution of a second order initial value problem where an unknown parameter is selected to... - Laura Matrajt*, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
One versus two doses: what is the best use of vaccine in an influenza pandemic?
Avian influenza A (H7N9), emerged in China in April 2013, sparking fears of a new, highly pathogenic, influenza pandemic. In addition, avian influenza A (H5N1) continues to circulate and remains a threat. Currently, influenza H7N9 vaccines are being tested to be stockpiled along with H5N1 vaccines... - Katie Oliveras*, Seattle University
Measuring Waves
As evident from the recent events in Japan, Chile, and Sumatra, tsunamis are destructive waves that can devastate coastal communities. The best defense is an early warning system that gives people time to reach higher ground. But how exactly does one predict a tsunami?
This talk will focus on... - Brandy Wiegers*, Central Washington University
Numerical Analysis and Mathematical Biology
The root growth process is characterized by the plant cells absorbing water which, in turn, generates pressure on the cellular wall. This pressure forces the cell to grow by inflating it like a water balloon, stretching the cellular wall to the point that the expansion is irreversible. The primary... - Jeffrey Stuart*, Pacific Lutheran University
Modeling Two Common Business Decision Errors
Two major mistakes that a business can make are pursuing a new line of business that is not actually worthwhile, and not pursuing a new line of business that is actually worthwhile. The likelihood that a firm decides to make one of these two mistakes is modeled as a function of a firm's... - Andrew Oster*, Eastern Washington University
Paul Bressloff, University of Utah
Laminar Model for the Development of the Visual System
In this talk, we will introduce the architecture of the visual system in higher order primates and cats. Through activity-dependent plasticity mechanisms, the left and right eye streams segregate in the cortex in a stripe-like manner, resulting in a pattern called an ocular dominance map. We...
Session: Improving Undergraduate Programs
- Lynda Danielson*, The College of Idaho
Robin Cruz*, The College of Idaho
Doing Less, Better
Faced with growing demand from very different student populations, The College of Idaho developed a three-year plan to redesign its entry level mathematics courses. Our objective two years ago was to streamline the sequence of courses for our bimodal audience of students with and without calculus... - Ruth Vanderpool*, University of Washington Tacoma
UWT Math Faculty, University of Washington Tacoma
Proposed Math Major at UWT
The math faculty at University of Washington Tacoma have proposed a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics that is in the final review process. As the primary author of the proposal, I will present the structure of the new major, highlighting influences from the Committee on Undergraduate Programs... - Ruth Vanderpool*, University of Washington Tacoma
Proposed Math Major at UWT (Not Published)
The math faculty at University of Washington Tacoma have proposed a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics that is in the final review process. As the primary author of the proposal, I will present the structure of the new major, highlighting influences from the Committee on Undergraduate Programs... - Michael Boardman*, Pacific University
Designing the Major: The CUPM Curriculum Guide
The MAA Committee on the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics and the MAA have released the 2015 CUPM Curriculum Guide to Majors in the Mathematical Sciences. The speaker, a member of the CUPM, will present a high level overview of the guide and its development.
Subject Area: Mathematics Education
- Joshua Cole*, Pacific University
Technique versus Truth: promoting gradual mastery of mathematical theory.
At all levels (elementary, high school, and university), doing mathematics is at once about discovering truth and getting the right answer. It is interesting that getting the right answer is often possible without understanding why the method works. Using examples from all levels of mathematics, I...