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The Kakeya Needle Problem
Student-Run Research Seminar| Speaker: | Yvonne Lai, UC Davis |
| Location: | 693 Kerr |
| Start time: | Wed, Jan 29 2003, 12:10PM |
Abstract: In 1917, Japanese mathematician S. Kakeya proposed a problem: What is the smallest area through which a needle of length one can be rotated 360 degrees? In 1928, Russian mathematician A.S. Besicovitch came up with the unexpected answer: no matter how small an area you choose, it's possible to rotate a needle of length one through a shape with that area. We'll explore this result in the talk, and look at some related questions.
The solution to the Kakeya Needle Problem is beautiful and accessible to anyone who has taken high school geometry class. Beyond being a fine piece of mathematics, the problem has applications of interest to both the budding pure and applied math mathematician!