Abstracts, Undergraduate Talks

February 25, 2006, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, Oklahoma

Euler's Solution to the Basel Problem by Michael Marlin - Cameron University

A brief look into Euler's non-rigorous yet confident (and correct) solution to the infamous Basel Problem presented by Jacques Bernoulli which is the infinite sum of 1/n².

Abstract Algebra using Mathematica© by Kevin Faulk - Southeastern Oklahoma State University

We will look at how we can use Mathematica© to investigate certain group properties such as, but not limited to, checking to see if the group is Abelian, if the group is cyclic, and finding the inverses of group elements. We will also look at Cayley Diagrams of different groups. If the group is cyclic then we will find the generators of the group. If time allows we will also look at different ring properties as well.

Scoring Matrices in Bioinformatics by Gabriel Vidal - Cameron University

PAM (Point Accepted Mutation) matrix and BLOSUM (Block Substitution Matrix) are two different algorithms used to find the best match for two nucleotide sequences. This talk will address the two scoring matrices algorithms used in bioinformatics. We will cover their similarities and their differences and how mathematics, computer science, and biology play a role in each algorithm.

Frieze Groups by Lee Ann Rayburn - Southeastern Oklahoma State University

We will derive the seven Frieze patterns and introduce crystallographic groups.

Equiareal Triangles by Ivica Ristovski - Cameron University

Let a point P be in the interior of a triangle ABC and A , B , and C be the orthocenters of the triangles BCP, ACP and ABP, respectively. We prove that the triangles A B C and ABC have equal areas.

What is Topology? by Lance Harris - Southeastern Oklahoma State University

We will define a topology and give some examples.

A Special Pattern and Divisibility by 6 by Jory Wade - Southeastern Oklahoma State University

We will look at a special pattern of integers and their divisibility properties.