MathematicsSeminar |
Rocky Mountain Algebraic Combinatorics Seminar
Algebraic and Combinatorial Macdonald Polynomials
Nick Loehr
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Macdonald polynomials, which are symmetric polynomials involving two extra parameters, have played a central role in algebraic combinatorics ever since their introduction by Ian Macdonald in 1988. By specializing the parameters in various ways, one obtains many classical and modern bases for the vector space of symmetric functions. Unfortunately, the original algebraic definition of Macdonald polynomials are complicated, non-explicit, and difficult to work with. This talk contrasts the algebraic definition with Jim Haglund's revolutionary combinatorial formula for Macdonald polynomials involving explicit objects and permutation statistics parametrized by integer partitions. I will outline the proof (due to Haglund, Haiman, and myself) that the combinatorial formula agrees with the algebraic definition, as well as describing some ramifications of Haglund's formula. The talk assumes no specific prior knowledge of Macdonald polynomials or symmetric functions.
Extremal Problems on Cycles and Theta Graphs
Jason Williford
University of Wyoming
Let n be a positive integer and G a graph. We define ex(n,G) to be the largest number of edges possible in a graph on n vertices that does not contain G as a subgraph.
The problem of determining ex(n,G) for general n and G officially began with Turán's theorem that solves ex(n, Km) for all n and m, a result that is striking in its precision. The celebrated Erdös-Stone-Simonovits theorem generalizes this asymptotically to all G with chromatic number at least 3. However, the magnitude of ex(n,G) is unknown for most bipartite G. In this talk we will discuss some of the recent progress on ex(n,G) when G is a cycle or a theta graph (a collection of edge disjoint paths between two vertices). This will involve constructions of graphs defined on vector spaces over finite fields.
Weber 223
4–6 pm
Friday, April 29, 2016
(Refreshments in Weber 117, 3:30–4 pm)
Colorado State University
This is a joint Denver U / UC Boulder / UC Denver / U of Wyoming / CSU seminar that meets biweekly. Anyone interested is welcome to join us at a local restaurant for dinner after the talks.