64 research outputs found

    Partition regularity of Pythagorean pairs

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    We address a core partition regularity problem in Ramsey theory by proving that every finite coloring of the positive integers contains monochromatic Pythagorean pairs, i.e., x,y∈Nx,y\in \mathbb{N} such that x2±y2=z2x^2\pm y^2=z^2 for some z∈Nz\in \mathbb{N}. We also show that partitions generated by level sets of multiplicative functions taking finitely many values always contain Pythagorean triples. Our proofs combine known Gowers uniformity properties of aperiodic multiplicative functions with a novel and rather flexible approach based on concentration estimates of multiplicative functions.Comment: 45 page

    Mathematical Surprises

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    This is open access book provides plenty of pleasant mathematical surprises. There are many fascinating results that do not appear in textbooks although they are accessible with a good knowledge of secondary-school mathematics. This book presents a selection of these topics including the mathematical formalization of origami, construction with straightedge and compass (and other instruments), the five- and six-color theorems, a taste of Ramsey theory and little-known theorems proved by induction. Among the most surprising theorems are the Mohr-Mascheroni theorem that a compass alone can perform all the classical constructions with straightedge and compass, and Steiner's theorem that a straightedge alone is sufficient provided that a single circle is given. The highlight of the book is a detailed presentation of Gauss's purely algebraic proof that a regular heptadecagon (a regular polygon with seventeen sides) can be constructed with straightedge and compass. Although the mathematics used in the book is elementary (Euclidean and analytic geometry, algebra, trigonometry), students in secondary schools and colleges, teachers, and other interested readers will relish the opportunity to confront the challenge of understanding these surprising theorems

    Mathematical Surprises

    Get PDF
    This is open access book provides plenty of pleasant mathematical surprises. There are many fascinating results that do not appear in textbooks although they are accessible with a good knowledge of secondary-school mathematics. This book presents a selection of these topics including the mathematical formalization of origami, construction with straightedge and compass (and other instruments), the five- and six-color theorems, a taste of Ramsey theory and little-known theorems proved by induction. Among the most surprising theorems are the Mohr-Mascheroni theorem that a compass alone can perform all the classical constructions with straightedge and compass, and Steiner's theorem that a straightedge alone is sufficient provided that a single circle is given. The highlight of the book is a detailed presentation of Gauss's purely algebraic proof that a regular heptadecagon (a regular polygon with seventeen sides) can be constructed with straightedge and compass. Although the mathematics used in the book is elementary (Euclidean and analytic geometry, algebra, trigonometry), students in secondary schools and colleges, teachers, and other interested readers will relish the opportunity to confront the challenge of understanding these surprising theorems

    The science of brute force

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    We discuss recent advances in the science of brute-force. Very hard problems can now be solved by adding "brute reasoning" to the brute-force method, in the form of SAT solving (satisfiability solving). A key example is the recent solution of the boolean Pythagorean triples problem, which comes from the mathematical domain. The proof produced here, the largest proof ever constructed (200 TB), had a strong media echo, and scepticism about its "meaning" (or absence thereof) has been raised. We show, that these methods and extracted proofs have indeed meaning, and are indeed useful, when taking the real-world applications into account, the domain of safety and verification

    A selection of open problems

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    AbstractThis is a collection of open problems which touch on Neil Hindman's mathematics and were collected in conjunction with the Conference on Ramsey Theory and Topological Algebra in his honor
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