Introductory Essay

Goals

The goals of this assignment are for you to reflect on your previous mathematical experiences. It also serves as a exercise in learning LaTeX (299) or recalling how to use LaTeX (399). Use a simple article style for your latex document. Come see me if you have questions on the use of LaTeX.

Assignment

299 and 399

(5 points) Express your name creatively using the special and mathematical symbols available to you in LaTeX. For example, here is one way to express my name:

Which is created in LaTeX using the following code:

$\mathcal{D}\alpha\vec{\rm v}$\i $\partial$
$\Lambda$.~$\mathbb{R}e^i$\raisebox{-.3ex}{\footnotesize\Scorpio}\textcircled{a}n$^2$

You can simplify some things in LaTeX by using macros. Here is an example that creates a macro called \myName that contains my name in special symbols and then uses it in a ecntered line.

\newcommand{\myName}{$\mathcal{D}\alpha\vec{\rm v}$\i $\partial$
$\Lambda$.~$\mathbb{R}e^i$\raisebox{-.3ex}{\footnotesize\Scorpio}\textcircled{a}n$^2$}

\begin{center}
\myName
\end{center}

Have fun and be creative!

Math/CS 299

(10 points) Write a brief essay (100-250 words) using LaTeX on one of your most memorable experiences learning mathematics. This could be from a college course, a high school or grade school course, or an extracurricular activity. Include some mathematical symbols or other LaTeX features in your essay.

Math/CS 399

(10 points) Using LaTeX's theorem environment, restate a favorite mathematical theorem and include a proof. It is OK to copy from a book as long as you cite the source using BibTeX. Write a paragraph why this theorem interests you.

Kevin Knudson and Evelyn Lamb have a podcast series where they have interviewed contemporary mathematicians about their favoritive theorems called My Favorite Theorem. They have completed roughly 25 interviews so far; all are available as audio and have been transcribed.

The amsthm package has nice theorem and proof environments you can use by including the lines

\usepackage{amsthm}
\newtheorem{theorem}{Theorem}

above

\begin{document}

\begin{theorem}[Pythagorean theorem]
Given a right triangle in the plane with side lengths $a$ and $b$ and hypotenuse $c$, 
then $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$.
\end{theorem}
\begin{proof}
This is where the proof would go.
\end{proof}

Deliverables

Bring a hardcopy of your paper to class during week 3. The final paper will contain your stylized name followed by the other component.

Use 1 inch margins. You can do this by placing the following code in the preamble (above \begin{document}).

\usepackage[letterpaper, portrait, margin=1in]{geometry}

References

1. De-TeX-ify
2. LaTeX Wikibook.
3. The (Not So) Short Introduction to LaTeX2e