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The Kakeya Needle Problem
Student-Run Research| Speaker: | Yvonne Lai, UC Davis |
| Location: | 693 Kerr |
| Start time: | Wed, Jan 29 2003, 12:10PM |
Description
Abstract: In 1917, Japanese mathematician S. Kakeya proposed a
problem: What is the smallest area through which a needle of length
one can be rotated 360 degrees? In 1928, Russian mathematician
A.S. Besicovitch came up with the unexpected answer: no matter how
small an area you choose, it's possible to rotate a needle of length
one through a shape with that area. We'll explore this result in the
talk, and look at some related questions.
The solution to the Kakeya Needle Problem is beautiful and accessible
to anyone who has taken high school geometry class. Beyond being a
fine piece of mathematics, the problem has applications of interest to
both the budding pure and applied math mathematician!