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The Science Seminar Series: February 2, 2012
Prime Numbers and the Goldbach Conjecture
Dr. Jose A. Velez Marulanda
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Valdosta State University
Time: 4:00 -5:00pm
Abstract
Prime numbers, which are useful for example in cryptology, have been among the main objects of study of Mathematics since ancient times. Although Euclid of Alexandria (fl. 300 BC) proved that there are infinitely many primes, has been an arduous task for mathematicians to answer questions about prime numbers such as their description and distribution. In particular, Goldbach’s conjecture claims that every even number greater than two can be express (not necessarily in a unique way) as the sum of two primes. This problem remains open today and is considered as one of the most important problems in mathematics history. In this talk we present many general aspects about prime numbers and discuss the historical background of Goldbach’s conjecture and some of its cultural references.