Mathematics Undergraduate Seminar Series presents “The Magic of de Bruijn Sequences” Wednesday
In the universe of mathematics there are many worlds. Of these, there’s the world where we apply our theory, the world where the theory is interesting for its own sake, and the world where mathematics is entertaining to the uninitiated. Some mathematical objects manage to live in all of these worlds at once.
In this talk we will discuss de Bruijn sequences, which I claim manage this graceful dance between worlds. We will start in the world of entertainment and find ourselves naturally transported to the world of mathematics for the sake of mathematics.
In this world we will prove that de Bruijn sequences of any size exist and find out how many there are. We will then scratch our heads and wonder how we can apply de Bruijn sequences, and in an instant we will find ourselves in the world of mathematics as applied to computer science, engineering, and biology. A
short discussion about applications to computer science and engineering will quickly lead us whence we came.
We will finish by discussing a bit about how mathematicians are explorers, who move between these worlds as their needs arise. Whether they are solving problems in industry or have just found a curious object, mathematicians are explorers who search for truth, proof, and fun!
Mathematics Undergraduate Seminar Series presents: “The Magic of de Bruijn Sequences”
Wednesday, Feb. 4 | 3-3:50 p.m. | Bridges 268
By Adam Goyt, MSUM