Algebraic Geometry Working Seminar

Friday, May 23, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Cynthia Dai, University of Waterloo

Categories as Complex Numbers

Let T be the set of all binary trees. It is well-known that T = 1+T^$. This implies that T^2-T=-1, and solving for T over the complex numbers, we can conclude it must be a 6th primitive root of unity. Hence we have an isomorphism T = T^7. Come to this talk and learn why this nonsense works.

MC 5403