Calculus is Chaotic

Joel H. Shapiro, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Portland State University

Reed College, Thursday, November 12, 4:10–5:00, Eliot 314
Abstract: In this talk I will sketch how the study of complex dynamics, and in particular the chaotic behavior of rational maps on certain plane sets, traces its roots back to Newton's Method—the algorithm that we learn in Calculus for approximating roots of differentiable functions. No previous knowledge of complex analysis will be required; I hope to make this talk accessible to all students who have some background in Calculus.