Number Theory Seminar: Paul Pollack

  • Date: 09/22/2011
  • Time: 15:00
Lecturer(s):
Paul Pollack
Location: 

Simon Fraser University

Topic: 

Messing with perfection

Description: 

Abstract:

 

Let s(n) denote the sum of the proper divisors of n, so, e.g., s(4)=1+2=3. A natural number n is called *perfect* if s(n)=n and *amicable* if s(n) =/= n but s(s(n))=n. For example, 6 is a perfect number, and 220 is an amicable number. Questions about perfect and amicable numbers constitute some of the oldest unsolved problems in mathematics. I will talk about old and new theorems concerning these numbers and their generalizations. Some of this is joint work with Mits Kobayashi (Cal Poly Pomona), Florian Luca (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México), and Carl Pomerance (Dartmouth College).

 

Other Information: 

For more information please visit Mathematics Department