The Math Major

CSU Fresno Mathematics Department

Vol 1. No. 14 (Last Issue for Spring Semester)

Editor: Dr. Larry Cusick.

Outstanding Math Major

Lisa Kenney has been nominated by the faculty of the department to receive the School of Natural Sciences Dean's Medal for Spring 1997. Lisa was selected from the graduating math majors for the 1996-97 school year. Lisa, along with representatives from the five other departments in the school, will be honored during the School of Natural Sciences Academic Assembly on May 13. Congratulations Lisa.

Graduating Math Majors

There are 24 math majors and 7 masters degree (in mathematics) students graduating in the 1996-97 academic year (Fall and Spring). Many of our graduates choose teaching as a career. While the financial rewards in teaching are modest, the personal gratification teachers experience can be potent. The faculty would like to wish our former students well.

Graduation Dinner

Every Spring, the Department of Mathematics hosts a dinner for all graduating seniors and graduate students. This year the dinner will be held on Thursday May 15. If you are a graduating math student you should have received an invitation. If you have not received an invitation, please contact the math department.

Summer Session

This summer, the mathematics department will offer the following courses:

Problem Corner

Problem 1.13: Prove that every integer can be written in the form x^2 + y^2 - 5 z^2 where x, y and z are integers.

Solution to Problem 1.13: If m is an even number, say m = 2n, then m = (n-2)^2 + (2n - 1)^2 - 5(n-1)^2. If m is an odd number, say m = 2n+1, then m = (n+1)^2 + (2n)^2 - 5n^2.

There were no correct solutions turned in for this problem.

Problem Corner Winners for Spring 1997

Anar Ahmedov turned in the most correct solutions to the Problem Corner for Spring 1997. He will receive a $75 first place award from the department. Second place is shared by Roden Macalma and Patrick Villa. Roden and Patrick will share the $50 second place award.

Results of Other Math Contests for 1996-1997

Here is a summary of the contests and winners for this academic year. 

CSU Fresno Math Department Home Page

California State University, Fresno