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Mathematics: A Rational Approach To Representing The Reals – An Introduction To Continued Fractions – University Tutorial With Dr Gwion Evans From Aberystwyth University
21st March 2023 @ 15:45 - 16:30
In this live interactive Mathematics tutorial, we will be joined by Dr Gwion Evans, a leading academic from the Department of Mathematics at Aberystwyth University, who will discuss: A Rational Approach To Representing The Reals – An Introduction To Continued Fractions.
How would you represent the number π? What about Euler’s number e or √2? We could use decimals (e.g. calculators give the approximations π ≈ 3.14159265358980, e ≈ 2.71828182845904, √2 ≈ 1.41421356237), which are useful, but only up to a point, e.g. what is the next decimal digit? Is there a more useful or insightful way to represent such numbers?
In the video we will briefly review the decimal numeral system before introducing continued fractions, which offer alternative representations of numbers that not only provide best rational approximations of irrational numbers but also reveal hidden patterns and useful tools for mathematical research.
During the live session we will continue our exploration of continued fractions, touching on concepts from A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, such as sequences, series, limits, solutions to polynomial equations, functions, matrices and more!
The full context/introduction to this live and interactive discussion is provided below in a Headliner recorded resource which can be watched as a class activity or independently in preparation for the discussion.
The session aims to deepen students’ understanding of the topic whilst enabling them to access and experience a live online university tutorial.
Lecturer Profiles (Please Click): Dr Gwion Evans
This event is part of an exciting new programme of online events from Aberystwyth University called Twilight Tuesdays which will run from 15:45 to 16:30 on selected Tuesdays. More details of the wider programme will be available soon.
Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom, or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.
As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but the Headliner recording will continue to be accessible.
Suitable for: Key Stage 5, and equivalent, students studying or with an interest in studying Mathematics and related subjects. Teachers and members of school staff, as always, are welcome too and participants can join as individuals from school/college or home, or as a group from school/college.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students are asked to watch the Headliner recording and consider some of the key issues/questions raised.
The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.
Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below: