Algebra Commons^™

Groups Acting On Tensor Products, Peter A. Brooksbank

Faculty Journal Articles

Groups preserving a distributive product are encountered often in mathematics. Examples include automorphism groups of associative and non associative rings, classical groups, and automorphisms of p-groups. While the great variety of such products precludes any realistic hope of describing the general structure of the groups that preserve them, it is reasonable to expect that insight may be gained from an examination of the universal distributive products: tensor products. We give a detailed description of the groups preserving such tensor products over semisimple and semi primary rings, and present effective algorithms to construct generators for these groups. We also discuss …

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy: Secondary Mathematics In An Urban Classroom, Julia Glissmann North

Honors Program Theses

Research and test scores have shown that African-American, Latino, Native American, and other minority students are underachieving in secondary mathematics. This is concerning not only to school personnel – who are under pressure to have students perform well on standardized tests – but also to the future of the country. When teachers adopt a culturally relevant pedagogy, diverse students will have a better opportunity to learn and retain mathematical content. When academic content is taught in a culturally relevant way, students are able to retain the information, improve their performance in school, and become more informed participants in society. Through …

Finding Zeros Of Rational Quadratic Forms, John F. Shaughnessy

CMC Senior Theses

In this thesis, we introduce the notion of quadratic forms and provide motivation for their study. We begin by discussing Diophantine equations, the field of p-adic numbers, and the Hasse-Minkowski Theorem that allows us to use p-adic analysis determine whether a quadratic form has a rational root. We then discuss search bounds and state Cassels' Theorem for small-height zeros of rational quadratic forms. We end with a proof of Cassels' Theorem and suggestions for further reading.

Interpolation By Polynomials With Symmetries, Daniel Alpay, Izchak Lewkowicz

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We here specialize the standard matrix-valued polynomial interpolation to the case where on the imaginary axis the interpolating polynomials admit various symmetries: Positive semidefinite, Skew-Hermitian, J- Hermitian, Hamiltonian and others.

The procedure is comprized of three stages, illustrated through the case where on $i\R$ the interpolating polynomials are to be positive semidefinite. We first, on the expense of doubling the degree, obtain a minimal degree interpolating polynomial P(s) which on $i\R$ is Hermitian. Then we find all polynomials Ψ(s), vanishing at the interpolation points which are positive semidefinite on $i\R$. Finally, using the fact that the set of positive semidefinite …

Krein-Langer Factorization And Related Topics In The Slice Hyperholomorphic Setting, Daniel Alpay, Fabrizio Colombo, Irene Sabadini

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

We study various aspects of Schur analysis in the slice hyperholomorphic setting. We present two sets of results: first, we give new results on the functional calculus for slice hyperholomorphic functions. In particular, we introduce and study some properties of the Riesz projectors. Then we prove a Beurling-Lax type theorem, the so-called structure theorem. A crucial fact which allows to prove our results, is the fact that the right spectrum of a quaternionic linear operator and the point S-spectrum coincide. Finally, we study the Krein-Langer factorization for slice hyperholomorphic generalized Schur functions. Both the Beurling-Lax type theorem and the Krein-Langer …

A Proof-Theoretic Semantic Analysis Of Dynamic Epistemic Logic, Sabine Frittella, Giuseppe Greco, Alexander Kurz, Alessandra Palmigiano, Vlasta Sikimić

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

The present paper provides an analysis of the existing proof systems for dynamic epistemic logic from the viewpoint of proof-theoretic semantics. Dynamic epistemic logic is one of the best known members of a family of logical systems which have been successfully applied to diverse scientific disciplines, but the proof theoretic treatment of which presents many difficulties. After an illustration of the proof-theoretic semantic principles most relevant to the treatment of logical connectives, we turn to illustrating the main features of display calculi, a proof-theoretic paradigm which has been successfully employed to give a proof-theoretic semantic account of modal and substructural …

The Effects Of Standards-Based Grading On Student Performance In Algebra 2, Rachel Beth Rosales

Dissertations

The use of standards-based grading in American public schools is increasing, offering students, parents, and teachers a new way of measuring and communicating about student achievement and performance. Parents indicate an appreciation for this method of grading, and students at the elementary grades (K-6) have improved standardized test scores in reading and math as a result of its implementation. This study seeks to determine whether standards-based grading has the same effect on students at the high school level (grades 9-12) by comparing end-of-course test scores and posttest scores of Algebra 2 students enrolled in a standards-based graded classroom with to …

Instability Indices For Matrix Polynomials, Todd Kapitula, Elizabeth Hibma, Hwa Pyeong Kim, Jonathan Timkovich

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

There is a well-established instability index theory for linear and quadratic matrix polynomials for which the coefficient matrices are Hermitian and skew-Hermitian. This theory relates the number of negative directions for the matrix coefficients which are Hermitian to the total number of unstable eigenvalues for the polynomial. Herein we extend the theory to *-even matrix polynomials of any finite degree. In particular, unlike previously known cases we show that the instability index depends upon the size of the matrices when the degree of the polynomial is greater than two. We also consider Hermitian matrix polynomials, and derive an index which …

Relation Between Hilbert Algebras And Be–Algebras, A. Rezaei, A. B. Saeid, R. A. Borzooei

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

Hilbert algebras are introduced for investigations in intuitionistic and other non - classical logics and BE -algebra is a generalization of dual BCK -algebra. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between Hilbert algebras and BE -algebras. In fact, we show that a commutative implicative BE -algebra is equivalent to the commutative self distributive BE -algebra, therefore Hilbert algebras and commutative self distributive BE -algebras are equivalent.

The Quantum Gromov-Hausdorff Propinquity, Frédéric Latrémolière

Mathematics Preprint Series

We introduce the quantum Gromov-Hausdorff propinquity, a new distance between quantum compact metric spaces, which extends the GromovHausdorff distance to noncommutative geometry and strengthens Rieffel’s quantum Gromov-Hausdorff distance and Rieffel’s proximity by making *-isomorphism a necessary condition for distance zero, while being well adapted to Leibniz seminorms. This work offers a natural solution to the long-standing problem of finding a framework for the development of a theory of Leibniz Lip-norms over C*- algebras.

The Kronecker-Weber Theorem: An Exposition, Amber Verser

Lawrence University Honors Projects

This paper is an investigation of the mathematics necessary to understand the Kronecker-Weber Theorem. Following an article by Greenberg, published in The American Mathematical Monthly in 1974, the presented proof does not use class field theory, as the most traditional treatments of the theorem do, but rather returns to more basic mathematics, like the original proofs of the theorem. This paper seeks to present the necessary mathematical background to understand the proof for a reader with a solid undergraduate background in abstract algebra. Its goal is to make what is usually an advanced topic in the study of algebraic number …

A Primer For Mathematical Modeling, Marla A. Sole

Publications and Research

With the implementation of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommendations and the adoption of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, modeling has moved to the forefront of K-12 education. Modeling activities not only reinforce purposeful problem-solving skills, they also connect the mathematics students learn in school with the mathematics they will use outside of school. Instructors have found mathematical modeling difficult to teach. To successfully incorporate modeling activities I believe that curricular changes should be accompanied by professional development for curriculum developers, classroom teachers, and higher education professionals. This article serves as an introduction to modeling by …

Differentiated Instruction In The High School Mathematics Classroom, Sherri Kruger

Mathematics Graduate Theses

The purpose of this research paper is to address the challenges of instruction within a classroom whose census is a diverse mixture of student mathematical abilities. The diverse ability of low and high achieving students all required to master the different strands of mathematics creates problems for instructors and students to stay engaged and actively moving forward deepening and widening their knowledge base. This paper will focus on differentiated lessons, assessments, and projects of a mathematics classroom in a public high school.

Characterization Of The Drilling Via The Vibration Augmenter Of Rotary-Drills And Sound Signal Processing Of Impacted Pipe As A Potential Water Height Assessment Tool, Nicholas Morris

STAR Program Research Presentations

The focus of the internship has been on two topics: a) Characterize the drilling performance of a novel percussive augmenter – this drill was developed by the JPL’s Advanced Technologies Group and its performance was characterized; and b) Examine the feasibility of striking a pipe as a means of assessing the water height inside the pipe. The purpose of this investigation is to examine the possibility of using a simple method of applying impacts to a pipe wall and determining the water height from the sonic characteristic differences including damping, resonance frequencies, etc. Due to multiple variables that are relevant …

Closure And Homological Properties Of (Auto)Stackable Groups, Ashley Johnson

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Let G be a finitely presented group with Cayley graph Γ. Roughly, G is a stackable group if there is a maximal tree T in Γ and a function φ, defined on the edges in Γ, for which there is a natural ‘flow’ on the edges in Γ\T towards the identity. Additionally, if graph (φ), which consists of pairs (e; φ(e)) for e an edge in Γ, forms a regular language, then G is autostackable. In 2011, Brittenham and Hermiller introduced stackable groups in [4], in part, as a means …

Decompositions Of Betti Diagrams, Courtney Gibbons

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In this dissertation, we are concerned with decompositions of Betti diagrams over standard graded rings and the information about that ring and its modules that can be recovered from these decompositions. In Chapter 2, we study the structure of modules over short Gorenstein graded rings and determine a necessary condition for a matrix of nonnegative integers to be the Betti diagram of such a module. We also describe the cone of Betti diagrams over the ring k[x,y]/(x²,y²), and we provide an algorithm for decomposing Betti diagrams, even for modules of infinite projective dimension. Chapter 3 …

Geometric Study Of The Category Of Matrix Factorizations, Xuan Yu

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

We study the geometry of matrix factorizations in this dissertation.
It contains two parts. The first one is a Chern-Weil style
construction for the Chern character of matrix factorizations; this
allows us to reproduce the Chern character in an explicit,
understandable way. Some basic properties of the Chern character are
also proved (via this construction) such as functoriality and that
it determines a ring homomorphism from the Grothendieck group of
matrix factorizations to its Hochschild homology. The second part is
a reconstruction theorem of hypersurface singularities. This is
given by applying a slightly modified version of Balmer's tensor
triangular geometry …

Embedding And Nonembedding Results For R. Thompson's Group V And Related Groups, Nathan Corwin

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

We study Richard Thompson's group V, and some generalizations of this group. V was one of the first two examples of a finitely presented, infinite, simple group. Since being discovered in 1965, V has appeared in a wide range of mathematical subjects. Despite many years of study, much of the structure of V remains unclear. Part of the difficulty is that the standard presentation for V is complicated, hence most algebraic techniques have yet to prove fruitful.

This thesis obtains some further understanding of the structure of V by showing the nonexistence of the wreath product Z wr Z^2 as …

A New Implementation Of Gmres Using Generalized Purcell Method, Morteza Rahmani, Sayed H. Momeni-Masuleh

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

In this paper, a new method based on the generalized Purcell method is proposed to solve the usual least-squares problem arising in the GMRES method. The theoretical aspects and computational results of the method are provided. For the popular iterative method GMRES, the decomposition matrices of the Hessenberg matrix is obtained by using a simple recursive relation instead of Givens rotations. The other advantages of the proposed method are low computational cost and no need for orthogonal decomposition of the Hessenberg matrix or pivoting. The comparisons for ill-conditioned sparse standard matrices are made. They show a good agreement with available …

Al-Khwarizmi: Founder Of Classical Algebra, Calvin Jongsma

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Adopting a historically defensible definition of “algebra,” we will begin by exploring a few examples of algebra prior to al-Khwarizmi. We will then examine what algebra became through al-Khwarizmi’s work. In conclusion, we will assess the historical importance of al-Khwarizmi’s contributions for developments in European algebra.

Establishing Foundations For Investigating Inquiry-Oriented Teaching, Estrella Maria Salas Johnson

Dissertations and Theses

The Teaching Abstract Algebra for Understanding (TAAFU) project was centered on an innovative abstract algebra curriculum and was designed to accomplish three main objectives: to produce a set of multi-media support materials for instructors, to understand the challenges faced by mathematicians as they implemented this curriculum, and to study how this curriculum supports student learning of abstract algebra. Throughout the course of the project I took the lead investigating the teaching and learning in classrooms using the TAAFU curriculum. My dissertation is composed of three components of this research. First, I will report on a study that aimed to describe …

Structured Matrices And The Algebra Of Displacement Operators, Ryan Takahashi

HMC Senior Theses

Matrix calculations underlie countless problems in science, mathematics, and engineering. When the involved matrices are highly structured, displacement operators can be used to accelerate fundamental operations such as matrix-vector multiplication. In this thesis, we provide an introduction to the theory of displacement operators and study the interplay between displacement and natural matrix constructions involving direct sums, Kronecker products, and blocking. We also investigate the algebraic behavior of displacement operators, developing results about invertibility and kernels.

Symbolic Powers Of Ideals In K[PN], Michael Janssen

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Let I ⊆ k[P^N] be a homogeneous ideal and k an algebraically closed field. Of particular interest over the last several years are ideal containments of symbolic powers of I in ordinary powers of I of the form I^(m) ⊆ I^r, and which ratios m/r guarantee such containment. A result of Ein-Lazarsfeld-Smith and Hochster-Huneke states that, if I ⊆ k[P^N], where k is an algebraically closed field, then the symbolic power I^(Ne) is contained in the ordinary power I^e, and thus, whenever …

Comparing The Impact Of Traditional And Modeling College Algebra Courses On Student Performance In Survey Of Calculus, Jerry West

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Students in higher education deserve opportunities to succeed and learning environments which maximize success. Mathematics courses can create a barrier for success for some students. College algebra is a course that serves as a gateway to required courses in many bachelor's degree programs. The content in college algebra should serve to maximize students' potential in utilizing mathematics and gaining skills required in subsequent math-based courses when necessary. The Committee for Undergraduate Programs in Mathematics has gone through extensive work to help mathematics departments reform their college algebra courses in order to help students gain interest in the utilization of mathematics …

Periodic Modules Over Gorenstein Local Rings, Amanda Croll

Department of Mathematics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

It is proved that the minimal free resolution of a module M over a Gorenstein local ring R is eventually periodic if, and only if, the class of M is torsion in a certain Z[t,t^{-1}] associated to R. This module, denoted (R), is the free Z[t,t^{-1}]-module on the isomorphism classes of finitely generated R-modules modulo relations reminiscent of those defining the Grothendieck group of R. The main result is a structure theorem for J(R) when R is a complete Gorenstein local ring; the link between periodicity and torsion stated above is a corollary.

Advisor: Srikanth Iyengar

Finances & Algebra Too!, Anne J. Catlla, Jonathan Foster, Charlene Frazier

Arthur Vining Davis High Impact Fellows Projects

The focus of this project is to provide an application-based approach to teaching algebra 2. Students will study algebraic concepts and functions through the lens of personal finance. After each unit of study, students will complete a financial application project that will go into each student’s “financial” portfolio.

Weighted Shifts Of Finite Multiplicity, Daniel S. Sievewright

Dissertations

We will discuss the structure of weighted shift operators on a separable, infinite dimensional, complex Hilbert space. A weighted shift is said to have multiplicity n when all the weights are n x n matrices. To study these weighted shifts, we will investigate which operators can belong to the Deddens algebras and spectral radius algebras, which can be quite large. This will lead to the necessary and sufficient conditions for these algebras to have a nontrivial invariant subspace.

Propeller, Joel Kahn

The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal

This image is based on several different algorithms interconnected within a single program in the language BASIC-256. The fundamental structure involves a tightly wound spiral working outwards from the center of the image. As the spiral is drawn, different values of red, green and blue are modified through separate but related processes, producing the changing appearance. Algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and analytic geometry are all utilized in overlapping ways within the program. As with many works of algorithmic art, small changes in the program can produce dramatic alterations of the visual output, which makes lots of variations possible.

How To Find A Levi Decomposition Of A Lie Algebra, Ian M. Anderson

How to... in 10 minutes or less

We show how to compute the Levi decomposition of a Lie algebra in Maple using the command LeviDecomposition. A worksheet and corresponding PDF can be found below.

How To Create A Jordan Algebra, Ian M. Anderson, Thomas J. Apedaile

How to... in 10 minutes or less

We show how to create a Jordan algebra in Maple using the commands AlgebraLibraryData and AlgebraData.