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“Primes and Zeta Functions in Combinatorics and Number Theory”

Bi-College Math Colloquium

Monday, February 7, 2022 - 4:00pm

Wen-Ching Winnie Li

Penn State University

Location

Haverford College

KINSC Hilles 109 (Virtual Talk)

Zoom Link: https://haverford.zoom.us/j/96986893143?pwd=Z2VWaDZ2RXRuTFJGeWM1U3RCc1dDdz09 Meeting ID: 969 8689 3143 Passcode: 701959

Prime numbers are a central topic in number theory. They have inspired the study of many subjects in mathematics. For a finite graph or simplicial complex, closed geodesics play the role of primes. In this survey talk we shall explore the distribution of these primes through the associated zeta functions. The results are products of rich interplay between number theory and combinatorics. When the associated zeta function satisfies the Riemann Hypothesis, the underlying combinatorial object has nice properties. As such, it has interesting applications, which will also be discussed.

“Primes and Zeta Functions in Combinatorics and Number Theory”