Mathematical Developments in 1998 (UMAP)

Mathematics in 1998 saw the resolution, at last, of Johannes Kepler's simple sounding conjecture about sphere-packing; an explanation for the "small world" phenomenon; a mathematical theory for origami, the Japanese art of paperfolding; and a new approach to paradoxes in mathematical game theory. The quadrennial International Congress of Mathematicians was held in Berlin, with awarding of prizes to distinguished young mathematicians; and a copy of a manuscript by Archimedes emerged and was sold at auction.

Table of Contents:

INTRODUCTION

KEPLER'S CONUNDRUM

MAKING THE WORLD SMALLER

ORIGAMI IS LOGICAL

HOW TO AVOID LOSING AT CHICKEN

THE ARCHIMEDES PALIMPSEST

MILESTONES

REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR