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Mathematics

Each meeting deals with a mathematical topic, usually presented by a member of the group. Topics in the recent past have included counter-intuitive probability, the mathematics of paper folding, catenaries and parabolas, the brachistochrone problem, Abel and the quintic equation, the Lambert W function, mathematical puzzles, maths and the arts and the maths of bell-ringing. Each meeting last about two hours and there is usually a lively discussion. We are not following a curriculum but dealing with subjects which interest us and of which at least one member knows something.

There is no entry requirement beyond an interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics. However, to get the best out of the talks and discussions, mathematics to A Level is recommended as a minimum. Some sessions assume familiarity with standard mathematical notation.

We meet on the first Thursday of each month starting at 10am, usually at the home of a member. You are welcome to come along and sample a session.

David Griffin, March 2011
0118 9791323, e-mail: david.griffin100@btinternet.com 

U3A Maths Group 2012 Programme  
           
Speaker Topic  Length Month Venue Comments
           
David Griffin Internet Maths Resources Half Jan KR Double event
David Griffin Hilbert's 7th Problem Half Jan KR Double event
John Bausor A Statistical Oddity Short Feb JB Double event
Several Contributors Puzzles and Problems Flexible Feb JB Double event
Barry Byrne Japanese Temple Geometry Full Mar KR  
David White (Some aspect of) Algebra Full Apr JB  
Douglas Dean Rear Cooling Full May KR  
David McQuillan Implicit Data. A Personal Project. Full June JB  
John Harrison Sea Waves Full July KR  
No Meeting No Meeting - Aug -  
John Panter Hexapods II Full Sept JB  
Peter Chapman To be advised. Full Oct KR  
Richard Hughes Error-correcting Codes Full Nov JB  
Visiting Speaker, Andrew Richards * (Some aspect of) Probability. Provisional Full Dec.
Provisional.
KR  
           
KR = Home of Ken Ridgway          
JB = Home of John Bausor          
 
         
Some presentations given by group members

Spirals
2,3,4, not 5
Doyle Spiral Circle Packings Animated
Catenaries, Parabolas and Suspension Bridges
Johann Lambert
Easily Stated Conjectures
My Adventures with Bayes
The Mathematics of the Stewart Platform
Transcendental Numbers and the Gelfond-Schneider Theorem