Outreach

What is Mathematics

What is Mathematics?

Is it about subtracting a large number from another large number?

If so, do you know \(\infty-\infty\) can be \(0, 1\) or even \(\infty\)?

What is Mathematics?

Is it about finding integer solutions to \(x^2+y^2=z^2\), the Pythagorean theorem?

If so, can you find any positive integer solutions to \(x^3+y^3=z^3\)

What about positive integer solutions to \(y^2 = x^3 - 2\)?

Can you find out the only positive integer solution and how this equation helps protect the security of your cell phone?
 

Join us to explore possible answers to these questions and other intriguing mathematical problems through monthly online talks!


The What is Mathematics? program is free of cost and organized by the University of Waterloo's Women in Mathematics Committee, supported by the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) and the Fields Institute.

Intended Audience

The intended audience of these monthly online talks is students in Grades 11 and 12 belonging to gender identities under-represented in mathematics, including women, non-binary, and trans folk. 

Dates and Speakers

Professor Christiane Lemieux's headshot

How to create and use random numbers

April 4, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EDT

Christiane Lemieux

Professor and Associate Dean of Operations and Academic

Abstract | Personal Website | Slides

Professor David Jao's headshot

Mathematical proof

March 7, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST

David Jao

Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies

Abstract | Personal Website

Professor Karen Yeat's headshot

Decomposing rooted trees

February 7, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST

Karen Yeats

Professor and Canada Research Chair

Abstract | Personal Website | Slides

Registration

Registration will open on January 10, 2024 at 12:00 noon.  At that time, the link below will become active. Registration is first come, first served.

Contact Us

For any inquiries or questions, please contact us at wimwim@uwaterloo.ca

Supporters

The Women in Mathematics committee would like to thank the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics, the Center for Education in Mathematics and Computing, and the Fields Institute for supporting the What is Mathematics? program.

UWaterloo Faculty of Math logo
CEMC logo
Fields logo