Transcendence theory and Einstein's final theorem
Joe Kramer-Miller, Lehigh University
Abstract: A complex number is called transcendental if it is not the solution to any polynomial equation with rational coefficients. Similarly, a function is transcendental if it is not the solution to any polynomial equation whose coefficients are rational functions. The theory of such numbers/functions is a beautiful and mysterious field, with connections to number theory, algebraic geometry, and combinatorics. In this talk we survey the field and describe some important outstanding problems. In addition we will explain the last paper of Eisenstein before he died of tuberculosis at the untimely age of 29 and discuss some of our recent progress on the Eisenstein constant problem.
Tea and refreshments available at 3:00 p.m. in the Assmus Conference Room (CU 212).
