Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium The Beauty of Bezout and Riemann-Roch

D E P A R T M E N T
O F
M A T H E M A T I C S
A N D
S T A T I S T I C S
St. Cloud State University
Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium
The Beauty of Bezout and Riemann-Roch
Dr. Robert Campbell III
Mathematics and Statistics
College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University
Thursday, October 23, 2014
2:00 p.m., ECC 110
*** Refreshments will be available at 1:50 in ECC 110***
ABSTRACT
Two curves of degree 3 should intersect in 9 points. Right? What about a curve of degree 2 and a
curve of degree 4? We should have 8 points of intersection, darnit! We want curves of degree d
and e to intersect in d x e points. This is not always the case though. We are mathematicians
though, and we will make this happen. This talk will develop the tools to make the statements we
wish to make as well as see some of the results of these tools. Come enjoy a leisurely walk from
polynomials to advanced machinery in algebraic geometry.
*Questions about the mathematics colloquium should be directed to:
Dale Buske
308-4821
Michael Ernst
308-2175
[email protected]
[email protected]