We consider the convergence of the random harmonic series $latex \displaystyle R = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\sigma_{n}}{n} &fg=000000$ where $latex {\sigma_n\in\{-1,+1\}}&fg=000000$ is chosen randomly with probability $latex {1/2}&fg=000000$ of being either plus one or minus one. It follows from the Kolmogorov three-series theorem that the series is ``almost surely'' convergent. We are all familiar with the harmonic series … Continue reading Random Harmonic Series
Month: July 2016
Computers Speaking in Irish
Most of us use computer terminals, tablets and smart phones, absorbing information quickly and easily. How do the many thousands of Irish people who are blind or visually impaired manage to interact with computers? For them, entering data by keyboard or voice is easy, but special software is needed to convert the text on screen … Continue reading Computers Speaking in Irish
Squircles
You can put a square peg in a round hole. Shapes between circles and squares have proved invaluable to engineers and have also found their way onto our dinner tables. A plate in the shape of a `squircle' is shown in this figure . The Equation of a Squircle An ellipse with centre at the origin … Continue reading Squircles
Lateral Thinking in Mathematics
Many problems in mathematics that appear difficult to solve turn out to be remarkably simple when looked at from a new perspective. George Pólya, a Hungarian-born mathematician, wrote a popular book, How to Solve It, in which he discussed the benefits of attacking problems from a variety of angles [see TM094, or search for “thatsmaths” … Continue reading Lateral Thinking in Mathematics
