Undergraduate Student Seminar-Pi Mu Epsilon talk: The Joy of SET: Mathematics in a Card Game

Title: The Joy of SET: Mathematics in a Card Game
Speakers: Gary Gordon and Liz McMahon, Lafayette College
Date and time: Friday, April 12, 4:00-5:00
Place: Phillips Hall, Room 736
 
Abstract: The card game SET is played with a special deck of 81 cards. There is quite a lot of mathematics that can be explored using the game; understanding that mathematics enhances our appreciation for the game, and the game enhances our appreciation for the mathematics!  We'll look at questions in combinatorics, probability, linear algebra, and especially geometry.  There's also a Daily Puzzle, and we have found some interesting things out about that.  If you’d like some practice before the talk, go to https://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_rules and https://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle for the rules and the Daily Puzzle.

Short bios:

Gary Gordon received his B.A. from the University of Florida in 1977 and his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1983. His research interests are in combinatorics. He ran Lafayette College’s REU program for a decade and has thoroughly enjoyed doing research with enthusiastic undergraduates. His favorite research partner is Liz, though. He loves baseball, enjoys climbing things, and occasionally plays the piano.

Liz McMahon received her A.B. from Mount Holyoke College in 1975 and her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1982. Her research interests are in algebra, combinatorics and finite geometry. She also ran Lafayette College’s REU program and enjoys sharing math with anyone who will listen. Her favorite research partner is Gary, not surprisingly, and she has co-authored a book, The Joy of SET, with Gary and their two daughters. She loves reading, cycling, hiking, and traveling.

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This talk is open to everyone.  Mathematics majors and minors are especially encouraged to attend.  You are also encouraged to come to Phillips 704 starting at 3pm where we will have refreshments and copies of the game so that you can get familiar with it and have some fun.