Alex Kontorovich will give the talk on Monday, October 4 at 4:15 in Math 528. This lecture will be open to all.
Abstract: A fascinating problem is the study of digits. We investigate the leading digits of a variety of systems, all exhibiting the same universal behavior, namely Benford's Law. For each system proving this involves two main ingredients. One is a structure theorem of the limiting distribution, specific to the system. The other is a general technique of applying Poisson Summation to the limiting distribution. Applications range from the 3x+1 Problem to the values of L-functions near the critical line. No prior knowledge assumed. This is joint work with Steven J. Miller.
Return to the Elementary Methods Seminar Home Page.