Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Pairs Of Quadratic Forms Over P-Adic Fields, John Hall

Theses and Dissertations--Mathematics

Given two quadratic forms $Q_1, Q_2$ over a $p$-adic field $K$ in $n$ variables, we consider the pencil $\mathcal{P}_K(Q_1, Q_2)$, which contains all nontrivial $K$-linear combinations of $Q_1$ and $Q_2$. We define $D$ to be the maximal dimension of a subspace in $K^n$ on which $Q_1$ and $Q_2$ both vanish. We define $H$ to be the maximal number of hyperbolic planes that a form in $\mathcal{P}_K(Q_1, Q_2)$ splits off over $K$. We will determine which values for $(D, H)$ are possible for a nonsingular pair of quadratic forms over a $p$-adic field $K$.

Slₖ-Tilings And Paths In ℤᵏ, Zachery T. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations--Mathematics

An SLₖ-frieze is a bi-infinite array of integers where adjacent entries satisfy a certain diamond rule. SL₂-friezes were introduced and studied by Conway and Coxeter. Later, these were generalized to infinite matrix-like structures called tilings as well as higher values of k. A recent paper by Short showed a bijection between bi-infinite paths of reduced rationals in the Farey graph and SL₂-tilings. We extend this result to higher k by constructing a bijection between SLₖ-tilings and certain pairs of bi-infinite strips of vectors in ℤᵏ called paths. The key ingredient in the proof is the relation to Plucker friezes and …

The Zariski-Riemann Space As A Universal Model For The Birational Geometry Of A Function Field, Giovan Battista Pignatti Morano Di Custoza

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Given a function field $K$ over an algebraically closed field $k$, we propose to use the Zariski-Riemann space $\ZR (K/k)$ of valuation rings as a universal model that governs the birational geometry of the field extension $K/k$. More specifically, we find an exact correspondence between ad-hoc collections of open subsets of $\ZR (K/k)$ ordered by quasi-refinements and the category of normal models of $K/k$ with morphisms the birational maps. We then introduce suitable Grothendieck topologies and we develop a sheaf theory on $\ZR (K/k)$ which induces, locally at once, the sheaf theory of each normal model. Conversely, given a sheaf …

John Horton Conway: The Man And His Knot Theory, Dillon Ketron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

John Horton Conway was a British mathematician in the twentieth century. He made notable achievements in fields such as algebra, number theory, and knot theory. He was a renowned professor at Cambridge University and later Princeton. His contributions to algebra include his discovery of the Conway group, a group in twenty-four dimensions, and the Conway Constellation. He contributed to number theory with his development of the surreal numbers. His Game of Life earned him long-lasting fame. He contributed to knot theory with his developments of the Conway polynomial, Conway sphere, and Conway notation.

The Examination Of The Arithmetic Surface (3, 5) Over Q, Rachel J. Arguelles

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This thesis is centered around the construction and analysis of the principal arithmetic surface (3, 5) over Q. By adjoining the two symbols i,j, where i² = 3, j² = 5, such that ij = -ji, I can produce a quaternion algebra over Q. I use this quaternion algebra to find a discrete subgroup of SL₂(R), which I identify with isometries of the hyperbolic plane. From this quaternion algebra, I produce a large list of matrices and apply them via Mobius transformations to the point (0, 2), which is the center of my Dirichlet domain. This …

Varieties Of Nonassociative Rings Of Bol-Moufang Type, Ronald E. White

All NMU Master's Theses

In this paper we investigate Bol-Moufang identities in a more general and very natural setting, \textit{nonassociative rings}.

We first introduce and define common algebras. We then explore the varieties of nonassociative rings of Bol-Moufang type. We explore two separate cases, the first where we consider binary rings, rings in which we make no assumption of it's structure. The second case we explore are rings in which, $2x=0$ implies $x=0$.

Counting The Moduli Space Of Pentagons On Finite Projective Planes, Maxwell Hosler

Senior Independent Study Theses

Finite projective planes are finite incidence structures which generalize the concept of the real projective plane. In this paper, we consider structures of points embedded in these planes. In particular, we investigate pentagons in general position, meaning no three vertices are colinear. We are interested in properties of these pentagons that are preserved by collineation of the plane, and so can be conceived as properties of the equivalence class of polygons up to collineation as a whole. Amongst these are the symmetries of a pentagon and the periodicity of the pentagon under the pentagram map, and a generalization of …

Zn Orbifolds Of Vertex Operator Algebras, Daniel Graybill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Given a vertex algebra V and a group of automorphisms of V, the invariant subalgebra V^G is called an orbifold of V. This construction appeared first in physics and was also fundamental to the construction of the Moonshine module in the work of Borcherds. It is expected that nice properties of V such as C2-cofiniteness and rationality will be inherited by V^G if G is a finite group. It is also expected that under reasonable hypotheses, if V is strongly finitely generated and G is reductive, V^G will also be strongly finitely generated. This is an analogue …

On Properties Of Positive Semigroups In Lattices And Totally Real Number Fields, Siki Wang

CMC Senior Theses

In this thesis, we give estimates on the successive minima of positive semigroups in lattices and ideals in totally real number fields. In Chapter 1 we give a brief overview of the thesis, while Chapters 2 – 4 provide expository material on some fundamental theorems about lattices, number fields and height functions, hence setting the necessary background for the original results presented in Chapter 5. The results in Chapter 5 can be summarized as follows. For a full-rank lattice L ⊂ Rd, we are concerned with the semigroup L+ ⊆ L, which denotes the set of all vectors with nonnegative …

Universal Localizations Of Certain Noncommutative Rings, Tyler B. Bowles

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A common theme throughout algebra is the extension of arithmetic systems to ones over which new equations can be solved. For instance, someone who knows only positive numbers might think that there is no solution to x + 3 = 0, yet later learns x = -3 to be a feasible solution. Likewise, when faced with the equation 2x = 3, someone familiar only with integers may declare that there is no solution, but may later learn that x = 3/2 is a reasonable answer. Many eventually learn that the extension of real numbers to complex numbers unlocks solutions …

Algebra I Topics Using Geogebra, Matthew Rancourt

Masters Essays

No abstract provided.

On The Mysteries Of Interpolation Jack Polynomials, Havi Ellers

HMC Senior Theses

Interpolation Jack polynomials are certain symmetric polynomials in N variables with coefficients that are rational functions in another parameter k, indexed by partitions of length at most N. Introduced first in 1996 by F. Knop and S. Sahi, and later studied extensively by Sahi, Knop-Sahi, and Okounkov-Olshanski, they have interesting connections to the representation theory of Lie algebras. Given an interpolation Jack polynomial we would like to differentiate it with respect to the variable k and write the result as a linear combination of other interpolation Jack polynomials where the coefficients are again rational functions in k. In this …

Algebraic Topics In The Classroom – Gauss And Beyond, Lisa Krance

Masters Essays

No abstract provided.

Ancient Cultures + High School Algebra = A Diverse Mathematical Approach, Laryssa Byndas

Masters Essays

No abstract provided.

Group Rings, Christopher Wrenn

Masters Essays

No abstract provided.

Algebraic Number Theory And Simplest Cubic Fields, Jianing Yang

Honors Theses

The motivation behind this paper lies in understanding the meaning of integrality in general number fields. I present some important definitions and results in algebraic number theory, as well as theorems and their proofs on cyclic cubic fields. In particular, I discuss my understanding of Daniel Shanks' paper on the simplest cubic fields and their class numbers.

Developing Conceptual Understanding And Procedural Fluency In Algebra For High School Students With Intellectual Disability, Andrew J. Wojcik

Theses and Dissertations

Teaching students with Intellectual Disability (ID) is a relatively new endeavor. Beginning in 2001 with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, the general education curriculum integrated algebra across the K-12 curriculum (Kendall, 2011; National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers, 2010), and expansion of the curriculum included five intertwined skills (productive disposition, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and conceptual understanding) (Kilpatrick, Swafford, & Findell, 2001). Researchers are just beginning to explore the potential of students with ID with algebra (Browder, Spooner, Ahlgrim-Delzell, Harris & Wakeman, 2008; Creech-Galloway, Collins, Knight, …

On Emmy Noether And Her Algebraic Works, Deborah Radford

All Student Theses

In the early 1900s a rising star in the mathematics world was emerging. I will discuss her life as a female mathematician and the struggles she faced being a rebel in her time. I will also take an in depth look at some of her contributions to the mathematics and science community . Her work in algebra and more specifically, ring theory, are said to be foundations for much of the work done since then. Her developments in abstract algebra helped to unify topology, geometry, logic and linear algebra. Also, Noether's theorem is a widely used theorem in physics along …

Mckay Graphs And Modular Representation Theory, Polina Aleksandrovna Vulakh

Senior Projects Spring 2016

Ordinary representation theory has been widely researched to the extent that there is a well-understood method for constructing the ordinary irreducible characters of a finite group. In parallel, John McKay showed how to associate to a finite group a graph constructed from the group's irreducible representations. In this project, we prove a structure theorem for the McKay graphs of products of groups as well as develop formulas for the graphs of two infinite families of groups. We then study the modular representations of these families and give conjectures for a modular version of the McKay graphs.

Low-Dimensional Reality-Based Algebras, Rachel Victoria Barber

Online Theses and Dissertations

In this paper we introduce the definition of a reality-based algebra (RBA) as well as a subclass of reality-based algebras, table algebras. Using sesquilinear forms, we prove that a reality-based algebra is semisimple. We look at a specific reality-based algebra of dimension 5 and provide formulas for the structure constants of this algebra. We determine by looking at these structure constants and setting conditions on specific structural components when this particular reality-based algebra is a table algebra. In fact, this will be a noncommutative table algebra of dimension 5.

The Automorphism Group Of The Halved Cube, Benjamin B. Mackinnon

Theses and Dissertations

An n-dimensional halved cube is a graph whose vertices are the binary strings of length n, where two vertices are adjacent if and only if they differ in exactly two positions. It can be regarded as the graph whose vertex set is one partite set of the n-dimensional hypercube, with an edge joining vertices at hamming distance two. In this thesis we compute the automorphism groups of the halved cubes by embedding them in R n and realizing the automorphism group as a subgroup of GLn(R). As an application we show that a halved cube is a circulant graph if …

Algebra 1 Students’ Ability To Relate The Definition Of A Function To Its Representations, Sarah A. Thomson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

One hundred high school Algebra students from a southern California school participated in this study to provide information on students’ ability to relate the definition of function to its representations. The goals of the study were (1) to explore the extent to which students are able to distinguish between representations of functions/non-functions; (2) to compare students’ ability to distinguish between familiar/unfamiliar representations of functions/non-functions; (3) to explore the extent to which students are able to apply the definition of function to verify function representations; and (4) to explore the extent to which students are able to provide an adequate definition …

Teaching Algebra: A Comparison Of Scottish And American Perspectives, Brittany Munro

Undergraduate Honors Theses

A variety of factors influence what teaching strategies an educator uses. I analyze survey responses from algebra teachers in Scotland and Appalachia America to discover how a teacher's perception of these factors, particularly their view of mathematics itself, determines the pedagogical strategies employed in the classroom.

Permutation Groups And Puzzle Tile Configurations Of Instant Insanity Ii, Amanda N. Justus

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The manufacturer claims that there is only one solution to the puzzle Instant Insanity II. However, a recent paper shows that there are two solutions. Our goal is to find ways in which we only have one solution. We examine the permutation groups of the puzzle and use modern algebra to attempt to fix the puzzle. First, we find the permutation group for the case when there is only one empty slot at the top. We then examine the scenario when we add an extra column or an extra row to make the game a 4 × 5 puzzle or …

An Analysis Of Differences In Approaches To Systems Of Linear Equations Problems Given Multiple Choice Answers, Amber Lagasse

Honors Theses and Capstones

This descriptive study focuses on the approaches college students (ages 20 -24) use when solving systems of linear equations problems that have multiple choice answers. Participants were from a midsize public university in the northeast. Four approaches were considered – three forwards approaches: 1) substitution, 2) elimination, and 3) graphing, and one backwards approach: plugging in the x and y values from each multiple choice option. Participants solved systems of linear equations problems and answered questions based on their methods in a structured clinical interview. Each participant also filled out a questionnaire. It was shown from the results of this …

Characterizing And Supporting Change In Algebra Students' Representational Fluency In A Cas/Paper-And-Pencil Environment, Nicole L. Fonger

Dissertations

Representational fluency (RF) includes an ability to interpret, create, move within and among, and connect tool-based representations of mathematical objects. Taken as an indicator of conceptual understanding, there is a need to better support school algebra students’ RF in learning environments that utilize both computer algebra systems (CAS) and paper-and-pencil. The purpose of this research was to: (a) characterize change in ninth-grade algebra students’ RF in solving problems involving linear equations, and (b) determine conditions of a CAS and paper-and-pencil learning environment in which those students changed their RF.

Change in RF was measured by comparing results from initial to …

Analyzing Common Algebra-Related Misconceptions And Errors Of Middle School Students., Sarah B. Bush

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine common algebra-related misconceptions and errors of middle school students. In recent years, success in Algebra I is often considered the mathematics gateway to graduation from high school and success beyond. Therefore, preparation for algebra in the middle grades is essential to student success in Algebra I and high school. This study examines the following research question: What common algebra-related misconceptions and errors exist among students in grades six and eight as identified on student responses on an annual statewide standardized assessment? In this study, qualitative document analysis of existing data was used …

Factorization Of Primes Primes Primes: Elements Ideals And In Extensions, Peter J. Bonventre

Honors Theses

It is often taken it for granted that all positive whole numbers except 0 and 1 can be factored uniquely into primes. However, if K is a finite extension of the rational numbers, and OK its ring of integers, it is not always the case that non-zero, non-unit elements of OK factor uniquely. We do find, though, that the proper ideals of OK do always factor uniquely into prime ideals. This result allows us to extend many properties of the integers to these rings. If we a finite extension L of K and OL of OK , we find that …

Assessing The Impact Of A Computer-Based College Algebra Course, Ningjun Ye

Dissertations

USM piloted the Math Zone in Spring 2007, a computer-based program in teaching MAT 101and MAT 099 in order to improve student performance. This research determined the effect of the re-design of MAT 101 on student achievements in comparison to a traditional approach to the same course. Meanwhile, the study investigated possible effects of the Math Zone program on students’ attitude toward studying mathematics.

This study shows that there was no statistically significant difference on MAT101 final exam scores between the Math Zone students and the Classroom students in Fall 2007, Spring 2008 and Fall 2008. At the same time, …

A Comparison Theorem For The Topological And Algebraic Classification Of Quaternionic Toric 8-Manifolds, Piotr Runge

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In order to discuss topological properties of quaternionic toric 8-manifolds, we introduce the notion of an algebraic morphism in the category of toric spaces. We show that the classification of quaternionic toric 8-manifolds with respect to an algebraic isomorphism is finer than the oriented topological classification. We construct infinite families of quaternionic toric 8-manifolds in the same oriented homeomorphism type but algebraically distinct. To prove that the elements within each family are of the same oriented homeomorphism type, and that we have representatives of all such types of a quaternionic toric 8-manifold, we present and use a method of evaluating …