Beauty and Utility of Number Theory - February 5

WHAT: The Beauty and Utility of Number Theory WHO: Presented by Robert Hummel, Ph.D., Potomac Institute for Policy Studies ABOUT THE TOPIC: Our mathematics curriculum is largely based on arithmetic, algebra, geometry and calculus, which teach, among other things, the power of logical thinking and rigorous proofs, while providing tools that are useful in many applications of everyday life. But number theory is often left out of mathematical training and yet can provide the same exemplars of logical thinking and rigorous proofs. In recent decades, number theory has become important for cryptography and encryption of digital communications. Without assuming a background in higher mathematics, but only an elementary school understanding of arithmetic, this talk covers the concepts behind the use of public key encryption. The key underlying mathematical principles, involving modulus arithmetic, are comprehensible by "thinking deeply about simple things." WHEN: Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 6:15 – 8:00 p.m. Café Scientifique events are held on the first Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted. WHERE: The atrium of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Building, near Ballston Metro. Located at 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203 on the ground floor of the National Science Foundation (NSF) building. Parking is available under the NSF building or at Ballston Common Mall. HOW: Register online now Café Scientifique is free and open to the public. The presentation begins at 6:15 p.m. followed by Q&A. No science background required – only an interest! Registration requested. Please note: the Front Page restaurant will be closed on Feb. 5. SUPPORT THIS CAFÉ: The Ballston Science and Technology Alliance, a nonprofit organization, is the sponsor of Café Scientifique Arlington. Since April 2006, the goal of Café Scientifique has been to make science more accessible and accountable by featuring speakers whose expertise spans the sciences and who can talk in plain English. Please go to www.arlingtonvirginiausa.com/bsta and contribute. Help keep Café Scientifique open and free to all! UPCOMING EVENTS: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 – Genetics at National Zoo presented by Robert Fleischer, PhD. Head & Research Scientist, Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics