March 24 Bergren Forum: "Constructing Cantor sets, intervals and Cantorvals from infinite sums," delivered by Assistant Professor of Mathematics Tim Ferdinands

Alfred University Assistant Professor of Mathematics Tim Ferdinands will deliver the March 24 Bergren Forum: "Constructing Cantor sets, intervals and Cantorvals from infinite sums."

He writes:

“When the sum of an infinite series of numbers is a finite number it is known as a convergent series.  Although mathematicians have extensively studied when a series is convergent, much less is known about calculating these sums and how they can be represented geometrically.  In this talk we will discuss three possibilities: (i) a finite union of intervals, (ii) a fractal known as the Cantor set and (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii) known as a Cantorval.  In this talk we will introduce the Cantor set and discuss its unique fractal properties, as well as describe its relationship to infinite series. The talk is intended for a general audience. No prior knowledge of advanced mathematical theory is assumed.

The Bergren Forum weekly lecture series is held at 12:10 p.m. Thursdays and is currently carried on the Zoom platform. The Zoom link for Bergren forums may be obtained by e-mailing Marilyn Saxton.