The contraction mapping theorem, also known as the Banach-Caccioppoli theorem, guarantees the existence of a fixed point for maps which “shrink”. In the following we’ll discuss the theorem, provide a sketch of the proof, and describe a neat application that will be sure to impress your math and non-math friends.
Continue readingAuthor: Henry Twiss
Kashiwara Crystals and Bases of Representations
The theorem of highest weight tells us that for each dominant weight there exists a unique irreducible finite dimensional representation with the dominant weight as the highest weight. We may further decompose these representations into a sum of weight spaces. It turns out that bases of these representations admit beautiful combinatorial structure with respect to the weight space decomposition. In the following we describe this structure via Kashiwara crystals.
Continue readingMy Summer UMN REU Expierence: Researching During A Global Pandemic
Participating in an REU is a joy, but doing it during a pandemic? Here I outline what my REU experience was like during COVID-19.
Continue readingDeep vs. Immersion Reading
You might have a quite extensive collection of mathematical texts on one of you shelves, but have you completely read through any of them? While still in lockdown and with the spring semester over, I’ve had a lot of time to read through my shelf. When reading textbooks I primarily use two strategies, and I’d like to share these in the following.
Continue readingA Tea-Time Paper Post
During our (now extended) time cooped up at home I thought it would be fun to put together a small post consisting of links to some very interesting relatively short papers that can be read with your favorite cup of tea. Descriptions are given before each link with the necessary background. Stay safe everyone!
Continue readingUnderstanding Varieties
Varieties are a basic structure in algebraic geometry. They were the central objects of study before Grothendieck reinvented the entire theory in his treatise Éléments de géométrie algébrique by introducing schemes. In the following we will introduce varieties and define algebraic curves.
Continue readingTangent Vectors and Differentials of Smooth Maps
Tangent vectors of functions are discussed early on in a standard calculus course. They are described either as directional derivatives or as velocities as curves. In manifold theory, we would like to generalize these ideas of calculus on 
The Connection Between Hopf Algebras and Groups
Hopf algebras are known to have a copious ammounts of structure which makes them useful in studying representations while, on the other hand, groups come equipt with little structure. In the following we will “realize” Hopf algebras as groups and comment on why we call quasitriangular Hopf algebras quantum groups. Hopefully, this will help demistify the confusion that comes along when studying Hopf algebras. For those of you who don’t know Hopf algebras, don’t worry! We will review them as well.
Continue readingGeometry & Topology RTG
Previously this week (week of August 3rd) I was able to attend the Geometry & Topology RTG workshop at the University of Notre Dame. The workshop was a week long event consisting of two parts, I and II, the first being an introduction into geometry & topology, and the latter being lectures on more advanced topics including student presentations. I’ve included their website link here. I attended part II and thought I’d speak about my experiences.
Continue readingWhat Is a Delta Complex
It’s time to get our hands dirty with some topology! Instead of studying spaces directly, we’re going to study a way of building topological spaces. In particular, we’re going to view a space as a collection of analogous subspaces appropriately glued together satisfying a few restrictions.
Continue reading