Speaker: Apoorva Khare
Affiliation: Indian Institute of Science
Abstract
Consider the following three properties of an arbitrary group $G$:
1. Algebra: $G$ is abelian and torsion-free.
2. Analysis: $G$ is a metric space that admits a "norm", namely, a translation-invariant metric $d(.,.)$ satisfying: $d(1,g^n) = |n| d(1,g)$ for all $g$ in $G$ and integers $n$.
3. Geometry: $G$ admits a length function with "saturated" subadditivity for equal arguments: $l(g^2) = 2 l(g)$ for all $g$ in $G$.
While these properties may a priori seem different, in fact they turn out to be equivalent. The nontrivial implication amounts to saying that there does not exist a non-abelian group with a "norm".
We will discuss connections to analysis and geometry, followed by the proof of the above equivalences. We will also see the logistics of how the problem was solved, via a PolyMath project that began on a blogpost of Terence Tao.
(Joint - as D.H.J. PolyMath - with Tobias Fritz, Siddhartha Gadgil, Pace Nielsen, Lior Silberman, and Terence Tao.)
About Maths Colloquium
The Mathematics Colloquium is directed at students and academics working in the fields of pure and applied mathematics, and statistics.
We aim to present expository lectures that appeal to our wide audience.
Information for speakers
Information for speakers
Maths colloquia are usually held on Mondays, from 2pm to 3pm, in various locations at St Lucia.
Presentations are 50 minutes, plus five minutes for questions and discussion.
Available facilities include:
- computer
- data projector
- chalkboard or whiteboard
To avoid technical difficulties on the day, please contact us in advance of your presentation to discuss your requirements.
Venue
Room: 442 (and via Zoom:
https://uqz.zoom.us/j/81688396546)