Problem solving is widely accepted as one of the focal points in the instruction process of mathematics, and also strong problem solving skills go a long way in transforming a math enthusiast student into a high caliber researcher. Based on these motivations, we are continuing this activity for a fifth consecutive year, in which the emphasis will be on developing the mathematical background of gifted middle schoolers and mentoring them towards promising careers.
The format of the math circle is one of a 1.5-hour semimonthly meeting, which is either a problem solving seminar (i.e., an open discussion about theoretical and applicative issues related to a certain mathematical object/technique) or an expository lecture that presents a specific advanced mathematical topic in an intuitive, interactive, more informal way. An objective of the circle is to teach the participants how to explain and write rigorous solutions to various mathematical problems. We see this as a forward step towards building mathematical research skills. This initiative wants to offer a qualitative advanced mathematical training that goes beyond the current K-12 curriculum.
Another goal of this activity is to prepare its participants for mathematical competitions. We have in mind a rich calendar of such events that will include the Mathcounts program and the AMC 8 and 10 contests administered by The American Mathematics Competitions.
| Date | Lecture | Instructor |
| 9/10, 16:45-18:00 | Methods for solving algebraic equations and systems of equations | Xiang Zhang, University of Rochester |
| 9/24, 16:45-18:00 | Solving diophantine equations: tools of the trade | David Karapetyan, University of Rochester |
| 10/8, 16:45-18:00 | Counting what counts | Gabriel Prajitura, SUNY Brockport |
| 10/22, 16:45-18:00 | An introduction to game theory | Mark Herman, University of Rochester |
| 11/5, 16:45-18:00 | AMC 8 review session | Matthew Creek, University of Rochester |
| 11/19, 16:45-18:00 | An introduction to complex numbers | Raluca Felea, Rochester Institute of Technology |
| 12/3, 16:45-18:00 | An introduction to functional equations | Matthew Creek, University of Rochester |
| 1/28, 16:50-17:50 | AMC 10/12 review session | Douglas Miller, University of Rochester |
| 2/11, 16:50-17:50 | AMC 10/12 review session | Brian McDonald, University of Rochester |
| 2/25, 16:50-17:50 | An introduction to proofs and arguments | Mihai Bailesteanu, University of Rochester |
| 3/11, 16:50-17:50 | AIME review session | Matthew Creek, University of Rochester |
| 3/25, 16:50-17:50 | Triangles and circles | Giorgis Petridis, University of Rochester |
| 4/8, 16:50-17:50 | Solid geometry and its similarities with plane geometry | Dan Geba, University of Rochester |
If interested in participating or for any other questions, please contact the coordinator of the circle:
Dan-Andrei Geba
University of Rochester
Department of Mathematics
806 Hylan Building
Rochester, NY 14627
Phone: (585) 273-5629
Fax: (585) 273-4655
E-mail: dangeba at math dot rochester dot edu