Date: November 17th 2009

Mathematics and Computer Science Club

Wed. November 18, 2009

Place: Academic Core: 2C07 (Math/CS Department Conference Room)

Time: 4:00-4:50 p.m.

Title:

Euler's Formula and the Platonic Solids

Abstract:

Euler’s Formula gives a relationship between the number of vertices, edges, and faces for any convex polyhedron. Platonic solids, named after the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, are convex regular polyhedrons. There are precisely five and all are familiar. In this talk a simple justification of Euler’s formula will be given and then it will be used to show that there can only be five Platonic solids. A bit of experimentation will then reveal what they look like.

Speaker:

Lewis Lasser

This will be a self-contained talk. No prior knowledge is required.

Refreshments will be served.

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Lewis Lasser
Department of Mathematics
York College (CUNY)
Jamaica, New York 11451