Department of Mathematics
University of Oklahoma

Math Circle Schedule

Archive of past schedules

Spring 2025

	Oct 19, 2025 Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm Location: University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Allen Wu Title: How to Divide a Cake Fairly Abstract: Alice and Bob are sharing a cake and need to divide it into two parts. Each one will not be satisfied unless he/she gets his/her fair share. A possible solution is to invite a third person arbitrator to do the division and allocation. But what if one of them is not satisfied with the result? Is there some method of division that will guarantee both of them are happy, even without the interference of an arbitrator? This problem has existed since antiquity. One solution, for instance, was described in the first book of the bible. In this talk, we will explore solutions to this problem, as well as different generalizations of it. Pictures: $10-19-25, Pic 1$ $10-19-25, Pic 2$ $10-19-25, Pic 3$
	Nov 2, 2025 Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm Location: University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 1105 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Mahak Jauhri Title: What makes some shapes look just right? The Mathematics of Symmetry Abstract: Have you ever thought why does a snowflake look perfect? Or square feel balanced? In this session, we will explore what makes certain shapes and patterns beautiful and how math helps us understand that. We will explore the idea of symmetry and play around with reflections, rotations, and shapes in 2D and 3D. Expect to think, draw, and by the end, you might start seeing symmetry everywhere. Pictures: $11-2-25, Pic 1$ $11-2-25, Pic 2$
	Nov 9, 2025 Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm Location: University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 323 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Travis Mandel Title: How to build a calculator in Minecraft Abstract: You may have heard that computers work in 0's and 1's. We'll learn about logic gates and the binary number system to understand what this means. We'll then apply this to build some cool "redstone" circuits in Minecraft, including a password lock for your secret base and a real working calculator that adds numbers in binary. Pictures: $11-9-25, Pic 1$ $11-9-25, Pic 2$ $Passcode circuit$ $Binary calculator performing 6+7=13, i.e., 110+111=1101$ $Binary calculator multiplying 33=9, i.e., 1111=101$ Minecraft World: You can download the Minecraft world I used in my talk here. If you have Minecraft Bedrock Edition installed, opening the file should automatically add the world to your game, at least on PC. On my iPad I have to use this link instead. Then go into files and remove the ".zip" from the file name to change it to a .mcworld file. Then opening the file should add the world to your game. Powerpoint slides on arithmetic in base 2.
	Nov 16, 2025 Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm Location: University of Oklahoma, Physical Sciences Center, Room 323 601 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73019. Speaker: Elizabeth Kelley Title: How can you convince someone that you know a secret without giving it away? Abstract: There are many situations where you might want to convince someone else that you know some secret information without actually telling them the secret information. For example, maybe you want to convince your friend that you figured out the answer to a puzzle without ruining the puzzle for them. Or maybe you want to prove your identity without actually giving someone your identity documents (which they could use to steal your identity). A zero-knowledge proof is an argument that convinces someone else that a statement is true without giving away any information beyond the fact that it is true. Together, we will explore some interactive zero-knowledge proofs using hands-on activities.