IN PERSON: Graph theory long suffered under the delusion that graphs were toys under the domain of children and nonmathematicians. In the last century, that perception has changed, and graph theory is now a vibrant branch of mathematics. In this course, we cover the early history of graph theory, the basic concepts of graph theory, and how graph theory is applied to numerous practical problems. Beginning with classic problems such as Leonhard Euler’s Königsberg bridges problem, we introduce vertices, edges, paths, cycles, and trees using clear examples rather than formal abstractions. Participants will see how graphs arise naturally in transportation systems, social networks, scheduling, voting, communications, and puzzles. Emphasis in the course is on understanding ideas, not proofs, and only high school algebra is assumed. The course offers a thoughtful introduction to a subject that quietly underlies much of the modern world. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 25.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
