Enumerative Geometry, Combinatorics, and Algebra by Prof. Linda Chen, Class of 1960s Speaker

Enumerative Geometry, Combinatorics, and Algebra by Prof. Linda Chen, Swarthmore College, Class of 1960s Speaker, Mathematics Faculty Colloquium, Friday, September 20, 1-1:45 pm, Stetson Court Classroom 105

Abstract:  It is a classical problem to count the number of geometric objects satisfying particular conditions, for example the number of conics passing through five points. Indeed, the methods developed by nineteenth century mathematicians formed the subject of Hilbert’s Fifteenth Problem. We will explore several enumerative geometry problems and describe some underlying algebraic and combinatorial structures that encode the numbers. I will also mention modern techniques, recent results, and new directions and problems.