Mathematics Graduate Students Organization

Seminar:

Date: March 25

The A-discriminant is one of the fundamental tools in Algebraic Geometry. It is a generalization of the discriminant $b^2-4ac$ of the quadratic polynomial $ax^2+bx+c$, and it is designed show when a polynomial system has degenerate roots. A large amount of information about polynomial systems can be discovered from the A-discriminant. This presentation will discuss ways of calculating and using the A-discriminant with a focus on real solutions. Very little background knowledge is expected, and yes, there will be pretty pictures!