Marshall University Math Colloquium

Friday, November 7, 2003

3:00 P.M.

Smith Hall 509

Judith Silver

Marshall University

“The Spherical Metric Project”

Abstract: How do you describe a curve on a sphere?  What do you use for a metric?  The historical background of these questions will be discussed, with particular emphasis on work done by students at Marshall University.  In particular it will be shown that the great circle distance in spherical coordinates does satisfy the definition of a metric.  Students in Calculus II should be able to follow the discussion, but a Calc III background would be helpful.

Snacks will be served.

Next Colloquium: Friday, November 21

Speaker: Bonita Lawrence