Mathematics Colloquium: Decision Problems and Representations

Speaker: Ben McReynolds, Purdue University

Title: Decision Problems and Representations

Abstract: Mal'cev showed that basic decision problems on finitely presented groups can be solved using representation theory. In this talk, I will discuss how the efficiency of these solutions is connected to constructions of finite dimensional linear representations of the group. We will spend some time discussing basic decision problems like the word and conjugacy problem, and how to measure the complexity of these problems on a finitely presented group.

Time: Friday, December 5, 2014, 3:30-4:20 p.m.

Place: Exploratory Hall, room 4106

Refreshments will be served at 3:00 p.m.