Albion College
Mathematics and Computer Science
COLLOQUIUM
Ergodic Theory and Normal Numbers.
Drew D. Ash

Adjunct Assistant Professor

Mathematics and Computer Science

Albion College

The purpose of this talk is to expose the audience to subfield of dynamical system called ergodic theory. To do so, we will consider the following question. How many numbers in $[0,1)$ are there when we look at their base-10 decimal expansion have the following property: The asymptotic (or expected) frequency of seeing the digit $d$, $d\in\{0,1,\dots,9\}$, is $1/10$? Can you even think of a number that has this property? We will show, using ergodic theory, that a surprising amount of numbers have this property! If time allows, we will discuss another interesting transformation called the Gauss map. The Gauss map has connections with continued fractions!
3:30 PM
All are welcome!
Palenske 227
September 7, 2017