Magic squares are numerical novelties that entertained early mathematicians of many traditions, from China to India to Islam. Later, they would capture the attention of Euler and others. At least one colonial American was also an avid builder of magic squares. Until recently, only two of Benjamin Franklin's squares were well known to mathematicians. Since Franklin had little formal schooling, it might be assumed that he stumbled upon his discoveries. However, it turns out that a few more examples survive, and these show a more varied set of tricks. Today, meet the long-lost squares of Penn's founder.
Probability and Combinatorics
Wednesday, October 17, 2001 - 4:30pm
Paul C. Pasles
Villanova University