East Midlands Branch

THE INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Juggling – Theory and Practice

A performance by

Colin Wright

Friday 15 March 2002

starting at 7.30 pm

Heap Lecture Theatre

University of Derby, Kedleston Road

Abstract

Juggling has fascinated many for centuries. Seemingly oblivious to gravity, the skilled practitioner can keep several objects in the air at one time, and weave complex patterns that seem to defy analysis.

In this talk the speaker demonstrates a selection of the patterns and skills of juggling while at the same time developing a simple method of describing and annotating a class of juggling patterns. By using elementary mathematics these patterns can be classified, leading to a simple way to describe those patterns that are known already, and a technique for discovering new ones.

The talk is suitable for all ages. Those with some mathematical background should find plenty to keep themselves occupied, while those less experienced can enjoy the juggling and the exposition of this ancient skill.

The Speaker: Colin Wright graduated in 1982 from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, with a B.Sc(Hons) in Pure Mathematics. He received his Ph.D. from Cambridge, England, in 1990, having learned on the way how to unicycle, juggle, fire-breathe and ballroom dance. He has worked as a research mathematician, a computer programmer and as a hardware designer, taking time out to lecture throughout the United Kingdom on "The Mathematics of Juggling." He also enjoys sailing small boats and playing bridge, although not (so far !!) at the same time.

No charge is made to attend meetings, non-IMA members are welcome

For further details of this event or other East Midlands Branch activities consult the Web Site http://science.ntu.ac.uk/msor/ccb/ima.html or by contacting the Branch General Secretary:

Dr Stephen Hibberd, email: Stephen.Hibberd@nottingham.ac.uk or Tel. (0115) 9513841