Month: February 2024

Solution to Toy Box – WQ2024 #1

Prof. Bockting Problems & Solutions

Let A, B, and C be the centers of the smaller circles, let E be the point of tangency of circles B and C, and let D be the center of the large circle, as indicated in the figure below.

Then triangle ABC is an equilateral triangle with side lengths 2r, and triangle CED is a right triangle with length of CE equal to r.  Further, because triangle ABC is equilateral, angle Θ is half of angle ACB, or π/6 .  If R is the radius of the large circle, then clearly

Now,

so that

and therefore,

Hence,

DePaul Math Club

Prof. Bockting Events, Math Talks

The DePaul Math Club meets Fridays at 12:00 in Arts and Letters 410. It’s a great time filled with pizza, beverages, great people, a relaxed environment, and some fascinating mathematics—math that’s both niche and underdiscussed and the hottest topics leading the math world today. We are usually joined by student researchers, graduate students, or professors—some from DePaul and some from other institutions—to share the math they work with. No math background required. We hope that you will join us for one of our upcoming meetings:

  • Friday, 2/23* – Talk by Dr. Desale Habtzghi
  • Friday, 3/1 – Talk by Lucas Lam
  • Friday, 3/8* – Talk by former DMC President

After the Math Club Meetings on 2/23 and 3/8, there will also be MAT Community Tea & Coffee Hours back in the Math Dept. on the 5th floor of SAC.

“Journeys of Black Mathematicians: Forging Resilience” on F 2/23

Prof. Bockting Events

In honor of Black History Month, the Department of Mathematical Sciences invites all members of the DePaul community to join us for a screening of the new documentary “Journeys of Black Mathematicians – Forging Resilience.” Snacks and refreshments will be provided.


When: Friday, February 23, 3:00-4:30 pm

Where: McGowan South 104

Details: Forging Resilience, a documentary project by George Csicsery, traces the evolution of a culture of Black scholars, scientists and educators. The film follows the stories of prominent pioneers, showing how the challenges they faced, and their triumphs are reflected in the experiences of today’s working Black mathematicians. Their mathematical descendants in turn are contemporary college students, and K-12 children across the U.S. who are learning that they belong in mathematics and STEM. Check out the film’s website here.

Bonus: A recent DePaul graduate is featured in the film!

MAT Community Tea & Coffee Hours on 2/23 & 3/8

Prof. Bockting Events

Throughout the year, the MAT Department hosts a number of informal events meant to help build and sustain our mathematical sciences community here at DePaul. These events provide an opportunity to meet with fellow MAT students, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as MAT faculty members in a relaxed setting.

We will have two more teas this quarter:

  • Friday, 2/23 at 1:30-2:45 pm
  • Friday, 3/8 at 1:30-2:45 pm

These community hours will take place in the MAT Department office suite (on the 5th floor of SAC). Light refreshments, such as coffee, tea, and cookies, will be served. We hope that you can join us.