Extreme Calculus

Pi Mu Epilon logo

On Friday, September 23, 2011, Professor Paul Zorn delivered the Fifth Annual Pi Mu Epsilon Lecture - Extreme Calculus.

Publicity poster

Abstract

There is more to elementary calculus than may first meet the eye, especially to those of us who teach it again and again. Well-worn calculus techniques and topics--polynomials, optimization, root-finding, methods of integration, and more--often point to deeper, more general, more interesting, and sometimes surprising mathematical ideas and techniques. I'll illustrate my thesis with figures, examples, and calculations that take elementary calculus to its extremes.

About the Speaker

Professor Paul Zorn

Paul Zorn is a professor of mathematics at Saint Olaf College and President of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). Born and raised in India, Zorn moved to the U.S. to attend Washington University in Saint Louis, majoring in mathematics and English. He did his PhD, in several complex variables, at the University of Washington, Seattle, under the direction of Edgar Lee Stout. In 1981 he joined the faculty of St. Olaf, where he chaired the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. He has also taught at Purdue University. Zorn's professional interests include complex analysis, mathematical exposition, textbook writing, and the role of mathematics among the liberal arts. He is also interested in using computer graphics and computer algebra systems to help students learn, explore, and "own" mathematical ideas. Zorn has served on many MAA committees and programs over the years. From 1996 to 2000, he was Editor of MAA's expository journal Mathematics Magazine. His latest textbook, Understanding Real Analysis, was published by AK Peters in 2010.