Algebra/Number Theory Seminar
Deriving a pre-Newtonian formula for pi from quantum theory
Tamar Friedmann, University of Rochester
Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hylan 1106A
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hylan 1106A
The formula for pi as an infinite product known as the “Wallis formula” was developed by John Wallis in 1655 by methods that pre-date the establishment of calculus. I will introduce said formula with its original derivation. Then I will show how, 360 years later, Carl Hagen and I rediscovered this 17th century formula in the quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom.
Event contact: dinesh dot thakur at rochester dot edu
Add to Google Calendar