Discrete & Computational Math Seminar: Matt Coppenbarger
Discrete & Computational Math Seminar (DisCoMath)
Oodles and oodles of googols: Iterations of the Words-to-Numbers Function
Matt Coppenbarger
SMS Professor, RIT
Abstract:
The Words-to-Numbers function takes a nonnegative integer and maps it to the number of characters required to spell the number in English. For each k = 0, 1, ... , 8, we determine the minimal nonnegative integer n such that the iterates of n converge to the fixed point (through the Words-to-Numbers function) in exactly k iterations. Our travels take us from some simple answers, to an etymology of the names of large numbers, to Conway/Guy’s established system representing the name of any integer, and finally use generating functions to arrive at a very large number.
Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, and experts. Those with interest in the topic.
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Event Snapshot
When and Where
Who
Open to the Public
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