Mathematics Commons^™

Byu Computational Number Theory Research Group, Dr. Paul Jenkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The computational number theory group has clearly been a success, with students writing papers, giving conference presentations, winning prestigious national fellowships, and going off to strong PhD programs in mathematics. The weekly seminar has helped students learn presentation skills and learn more mathematics, and has provided a convenient entry point for new students interested in research. It is anticipated that the group will continue into the foreseeable future, and that students will continue to benefit from the allocated resources.

Quantitative Approaches To Sustainability Seminars, Rachel Levy

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

How can mathematicians contribute to education of about sustainability? Mathematicians study climate change, energy-related technologies, models of energy availability, production and consumption, and even the political and social aspects of sustainable legislation and practices. However, at this point, few courses on sustainability can be found in math department offerings. When we consider problems that our current and future students will face, energy sustainability certainly seems important. But how many of these ideas reach our classrooms?

Improving Student Achievement Through Feedback, Jennifer L. Mchlachlan

Mathematics Graduate Theses

This paper reviews the current research that exists on feedback given to students in an educational setting. Questions examined were what characteristics make feedback effective, what are the effects on student achievement if feedback is available to students in a math classroom and does timing of the feedback given play a role in its effectiveness. Results showed that feedback is effective if it is descriptive, including both strengths and weaknesses. Feedback given in small doses throughout the learning process, so as not to overwhelm students, has also proven effective. The research shows that the effect of feedback on student achievement …

Inverse Spectral Problems For Graphs, Dr. Wayne Barrett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This MEG grant made it possible to support several student research activ- ities from Spring 2009 through Winter 2010.

Integrating Manipulatives To Improve Fraction Concepts, Rachel Dunn

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019) (Archived)

Many students are overwhelmed by mathematics because the language is too difficult, the teaching strategies are insufficient or they have lost motivation. With a recent emphasis on meeting the Common Core expectations, using manipulatives to eliminate misconceptions in the mathematical classroom has become even more prevalent. I explored the misconceptions that many students struggle with and provided possible methods of eliminating them at all levels for learning. During this investigation, I studied the effect of manipulatives on students’ understanding of fraction concepts and the students’ conceptions of the unit of reference when working with fraction word problems. I learned that …

Trig-Star, James M. Anderson

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019) (Archived)

A TRIG-STAR is a mathematics student who has demonstrated in competition that he or she is the most skilled among classmates in the practical application of trigonometry. The competition for the honor is a timed exercise which is the solving of a trigonometry problem that incorporates the use of right triangle formulas, circle formulas, the law of sines, and the law of cosines. The contest helps to promote careers in surveying and mapping to students at the High Schools across the country. The award is sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors and cosponsored locally. State winners also have …

Brown, James Monroe, 1800-1886 (Sc 806), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Manuscripts Small Collection 806. Ciphering book, 1822-1827 (40 p.), of James M. Brown, Butler County, Kentucky, which also contains a few pages of account entries and other various notations, (806a). Photocopy of ciphering book is also included. Also letter, 1989, from donor relating family data.

Behavior Of Solutions For Bernoulli Initial-Value Problems, Carlos Marcelo Sardan

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project is to investigate blow-up properties of solutions for specific initial-value problems that involve Bernoulli Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE's). The objective is to find conditions on the coefficients and on the initial-values that lead to unbounded growth of solutions in finite time.

Factoring The Duplication Map On Elliptic Curves For Use In Rank Computations, Tracy Layden

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis examines the rank of elliptic curves. We first examine the correspondences between projective space and affine space, and use the projective point at infinity to establish the group law on elliptic curves. We prove a section of Mordell’s Theorem to establish that the abelian group of rational points on an elliptic curve is finitely generated. We then use homomorphisms established in our proof to find a formula for the rank, and then provide examples of computations.

On A Theorem Of Livsic, William T. Ross, Alexandru Aleman, R. T. W. Martin

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

The theory of symmetric, non-selfadjoint operators has several deep applications to the complex function theory of certain reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces of analytic functions, as well as to the study of ordinary differential operators such as Schrodinger operators in mathematical physics. Examples of simple symmetric operators include multiplication operators on various spaces of analytic functions such as model subspaces of Hardy spaces, deBranges-Rovnyak spaces and Herglotz spaces, ordinary differential operators (including Schrodinger operators from quantum mechanics), Toeplitz operators, and infinite Jacobi matrices.

In this paper we develop a general representation theory of simple symmetric operators with equal deficiency indices, and …

Direct And Reverse Carleson Measure For Hb Spaces, William T. Ross, Alain Blandigneres, Emmanuel Fricain, Frederic Gaunard, Andreas Hartmann

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

In this paper we discuss direct and reverse Carleson measures for the de Branges-Rovnyak spaces H(b), mainly when b is a non-extreme point of the unit ball of H^∞.

Oddification Of The Cohomology Of Type A Springer Varieties, Heather M. Russell, Aaron D. Lauda

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

We identify the ring of odd symmetric functions introduced by Ellis and Khovanov as the space of skew polynomials fixed by a natural action of the Hecke algebra at q = −1. This allows us to define graded modules over the Hecke algebra at q = −1 that are ‘odd’ analogs of the cohomology of type A Springer varieties. The graded module associated to the full flag variety corresponds to the quotient of the skew polynomial ring by the left ideal of nonconstant odd symmetric functions. The top degree component of the odd cohomology of Springer varieties is identifiedwith the …

Model Spaces: A Survey, William T. Ross, Stephan Ramon Garcia

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

This is a brief and gentle introduction, aimed at graduate students, to the subject of model subspaces of the Hardy space.

Undergraduate And Graduate Teaching Assistants' Perceptions Of Their Responsibilities - Factors That Help Or Hinder, Alena Moon, Hyunyi Jung, Farshid Marbouti, Kelsey Joy Rodgers, Heidi A. Diefes-Dux

Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science Faculty Research and Publications

Effective teaching assistants (TAs) are crucial for effective student learning. This is especially true in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, where TAs are enabling large programs to transition to more student-centered learning environments. To ensure that TAs are able to support these types of learning environments, their perspectives of training, their abilities, and other work related aspects must be understood. In this paper a survey that was created based on interviews conducted with eight TAs is discussed. The survey has four primary categories of content that are critical for understanding TAs' perspectives: (1) background, (2) motivation, (3) training, …

Sharp Bounds Associated With An Irreducibility Theorem For Polynomials Having Non-Negative Coefficients, Morgan Cole

Theses and Dissertations

Consider a polynomial f(x) having non-negative integer coefficients with f(b) prime for some integer b greater than or equal to 2. We will investigate the size of the coefficients of the polynomial and establish a largest such bound on the coefficients that would imply that f(x) is irreducible. A result of Filaseta and Gross has established sharp bounds on the coefficients of such a polynomial in the case that b = 10. We will expand these results for b in {8, 9, ..., 20}.

Coloring Pythagorean Triples And A Problem Concerning Cyclotomic Polynomials, Daniel White

Theses and Dissertations

One may easily show that there exist $O( \log n)$-colorings of $\{1,2, \ldots, n\}$ such that no Pythagorean triple with elements $\le n$ is monochromatic. In Chapter~\ref{CH:triples}, we investigate two analogous ideas. First, we find an asymptotic bound for the number of colors required to color $\{1,2,\ldots ,n\}$ so that every Pythagorean triple with elements $\le n$ is $3$-colored. Afterwards, we examine the case where we allow a vanishing proportion of Pythagorean triples with elements $\le n$ to fail to have this property.

Unrelated, in 1908, Schur raised the question of the irreducibility over $\Q$ of polynomials of the form …

Selected Research In Covering Systems Of The Integers And The Factorization Of Polynomials, Joshua Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

In 1960, Sierpi\'{n}ski proved that there exist infinitely many odd positive integers $k$ such that $k\cdot 2^n+1$ is composite for all positive integers $n$. Such integers are known as Sierpi\'{n}ski numbers. Letting $f(x)=ax^r+bx+c\in\mathbb{Z}[x]$, Chapter 2 of this document explores the existence of integers $k$ such that $f(k)2^n+d$ is composite for all positive integers $n$. Chapter 3 then looks into a polynomial variation of a similar question. In particular, Chapter~\ref{CH:FH} addresses the question, for what integers $d$ does there exist a polynomial $f(x)\in\mathbb{Z}[x]$ with $f(1)\neq -d$ such that $f(x)x^n+d$ is reducible for all positive integers $n$. The last two chapters of …

Enhancing Effective Depth-Of-Field By Multi-Focus Image Fusion Using Morphological Techniques., Ishita De Ghosh Dr.

Doctoral Theses

A scene to be photographed, usually includes objects at varying distances from the camera. Depth-of-field of a digital camera is the range of distance, all objects within which appear to be sharp in the image. Due to the low depth-of-field of the camera, images acquired by them often suffer from degradation called out-of-foc us blur. One way to enhance the effective depth-of-field is to acquire se veral images of a scene with focus on different parts of it and then combine these images into a single image in such a way that all regions of the scene are in focus. …

Operator Monotone Functions And Löwner Functions Of Several Variables, Jim Agler, John E. Mccarthy, N J. Young

Mathematics Faculty Research

We prove generalizations of Loewner's results on matrix monotone functions to several variables. We give a characterization of when a function of d variables is locally monotone on d-tuples of commuting self-adjoint n-by-n matrices. We prove a generalization to several variables of Nevanlinna's theorem describing analytic functions that map the upper half-plane to itself and satisfy a growth condition. We use this to characterize all rational functions of two variables that are operator monotone.

Integer Compositions, Gray Code, And The Fibonacci Sequence, Linus Lindroos

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis I show the relation of binary and Gray Code to integer compositions and the Fibonacci sequence through the use of analytic combinatorics, Zeckendorf's Theorem, and generating functions.

Global Domination Stable Graphs, Elizabeth Marie Harris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A set of vertices S in a graph G is a global dominating set (GDS) of G if S is a dominating set for both G and its complement G. The minimum cardinality of a global dominating set of G is the global domination number of G. We explore the effects of graph modifications on the global domination number. In particular, we explore edge removal, edge addition, and vertex removal.

Joanne Growney's Poetry-With-Mathematics Blog -- An Appreciation, Gregory E. Coxson

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

Now is a good time to work on the boundaries of practice and theory, of art and science. We are seeing a rising tide of interest in these boundaries. Witness the growing Bridges movement, which has been exploring the connections between mathematics and the arts. Similarly, JoAnne Growney's blog, Intersections -- Poetry with Mathematics, explores the connections between mathematics and poetry. Through this review, I aim to give readers a taste of what can be found in Intersections as a way of encouraging others, be they mathematicians, poets, or neither, to visit the blog.

Clark, William B., B. 1797? (Sc 632), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and one scanned page (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 632. Ciphering book kept by William B. Clark of Christian County, Kentucky, 25 August 1813 to 22 August 1814, and intermittently by others to 1819. Other entries include business accounts of Clark, a blacksmith, and family genealogy. The book was bound
with sheets from the Western Eagle, a newspaper printed in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and dated 12 February 1813. It was removed and added to the Special Collections Library. A loose item found in the book, 1834-1846, contains accounts of Clark.

Cearnal, Elijah (Sc 588), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 588. A ciphering book kept by Elijah Cearnal as a student. The name "Patrick Carnall" is also written in the book.

Wilkerson, Brice W. (Sc 586), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 586. A ciphering book kept by Brice W. Wilkerson, of either Simpson County of Logan County, Kentucky, as a student. The name “Stanley Wilkerson” is also noted in the book.

Sutherland, Daniel, 1797-1835 (Sc 589), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 589. Ciphering book of Daniel Sutherland, probably of Casey County, Kentucky, dated 31 March 1825 to 2 December 1825. It was also used for the period from 16 July 1828 to 9 October 1828, and indications are that this record was the work of Uriah S. Sutherland.

Motley, Matthew, 1786-1845 (Sc 591), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 591. Ciphering book, 1800-1801, kept by Matthew Motley of Allen County, Kentucky. Business accounts,1807-1811, of John Motley, father of Matthew, and business accounts, 1805-1823, of Matthew, who was a cabinetmaker, are documented in the back of the book; other notations record the hiring out of enslaved persons, medicinal remedies, and a poetic reaction to the New Madrid earthquake, 1811.

Smith, Alexander (Sc 596), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 596. Ciphering book, 1799, made by Alexander Smith, who was a school master in Prince George County, Virginia. Henry Oiler? states that it is his ciphering book, so perhaps he was a student of
Smith’s. A few business accounts of Oiler’s are recorded.

Perry, Minerva W. (Martin), 1820-1906 (Sc 592), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 592. Ciphering book kept by Minerva W. (Martin) Perry of Clarksville, Johnson County, Arkansas, with the only date noted being that of 28 June 1830. Other names are written in the book, and
birth and death dates of members of a Martin family are listed.

Hamilton, William D. (Sc 590), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Manuscript Collection Finding Aids

Finding aid and scan (Click on "additional files" below) for Manuscripts Small Collection 590. Ciphering book, writer unknown, possibly kept during the 1830s. W.D. Hamilton’s name with notes dated in the 1870s appears on several pages of the book and his address is listed as Hamilton, Ohio County, Kentucky.