Graduate Student Seminar, 4:30 pm March 14, 2005; HH229

Speaker:

Corbett Redden

Title:

For what n is R^n a division algebra?

Abstract:

When n is 1, 2, 4, or 8, we have the reals, complexes, quaternions, and octonions. These are the only values of n where this happens. We will see how cohomology theories can provide a way to phrase and answer this question by using something called the "Hopf invariant."


To volunteer to give a talk, or for any other questions regarding this schedule, contact Sara Miller