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$q$-numbers
The idea of defining “deformations” of integers and binomial coefficients goes back to
Euler (1760's) and Gauss (early 1800's).
These early definitions were related to applications to analysis
and number theory.
Surprisingly, until recently there has not been a reasonable definition of $q$-rational and $q$-real numbers.
We will see a definition of $q$-numbers due to S. Morier-Genoud and V. Ovsienko and discuss some amazing
properties of these numbers.
We will also find out which is the most irrational number
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Welcome to the Math Club home page!
The math club meets once a week in the Winter term, on Thursday evenings for about an hour. It is intended for anyone interested in mathematics, whether they are a math major or not.
At each meeting a speaker will discuss an interesting idea in mathematics. We try to pick topics that can be understood without much background. An ideal topic is one which starts with something simple, and by exploring its twists and turns, leads to something unexpectedly deeper.
The goal is to show mathematics the way that mathematicians see it: a living subject full of deep and intertwining ideas, growing naturally out of our desire to understand the fundamental concepts of space and number.
| Date | Topic | Speaker | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. | 22 | Geometry over a non-existent field | Gregory G. Smith | ||
| 29 | $q$-numbers | Ivan Dimitrov | |||
| Feb. | 5 | Normal Numbers | Francesco Cellarosi | ||
| 12 | TBA | Jamie Mingo | |||
| 26 | TBA | TBA | |||
| Mar. | 5 | TBA | TBA | ||
| 12 | TBA | TBA | |||
| 19 | TBA | TBA | |||
| 26 | TBA | TBA | |||
| Apr. | 2 | TBA | TBA |
The meetings are Thursdays in Jeff 118 from 17:30–18:30.
To suggest a topic for the Math Club, or to find out further information, please email Ivan Dimitrov, Mike Roth, or Greg Smith .
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| Winter 2026 |
| Queen's University |
| Kingston, Ontario |