We are presenting at the 2012 Joint Meetings of the AMS/MAA in Boston. If you are interested in learning more about our project, please join us:
1. Thursday January 5, 2012, 8:00 a.m.-11:55 a.m.
MAA Session on Arts and Mathematics, Together Again, II.
Room 311, Hynes 9:00 am
Exploring the Mathematics of Tuning a Musical Instrument using Straws.
Christine von Renesse*, Julian F Fleron, Philip K Hotchkiss, Volker Ecke, Westfield State University
Abstract: This talk will show connections between the tuning of musical instruments, its history, some "nice" fractions and ratios, (ir)rational numbers, and some exponents and roots. Straws (Pan flutes) are being used to explore how length corresponds to "nice sounding" intervals. The mathematics is appropriate for liberal art majors or future elementary school teachers but can be used for a lower level class for mathematics majors as well. The activity is part of a series of books "Discovering the Art of Mathematics" developed under a CCLI-NSF grant.
2. Thursday January 5, 2012, 1:00 p.m.-3:35 p.m.
MAA Session on the Mathematics of Sudoku and Other Pencil Puzzles, II.
Room 312, Hynes 2:20 p.m.
Radon-Kaczmarz Puzzles: CAT Scans Meet Sudoku.
Julian Fleron*, Philip K. Hotchkiss, Volker Ecke, Christine von Renesse, Westfield State University
Abstract: In this talk we introduce a family of Sudoku-like puzzles which we call Radon-Kaczmarz puzzles. Solution strategies for these puzzles are directly related to the mathematics behind CAT scans and other forms of medical imaging. We describe these connections and state interesting open questions about this family of puzzles. We describe comprehensive classroom materials on these, and related, puzzles that we have developed and share our students' reactions to this material. In closing we will provide surprising connections between mathematical solution strategies for puzzles such as this, compelling history, and the development of sophisticated medical imaging.
3. Thursday January 5, 2012, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
MAA Poster Session on Projects Supported by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education,
Veteran's Auditorium, 2nd floor, Hynes 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Discovering the Art of Mathematics.
Julian F. Fleron, Philip K. Hotchkiss, Volker Ecke, Christine von Renesse, Westfield State University