UBC Mathematics Colloquium

Geoffrey Grimmett
(University of Cambridge)


 

Problems for the clairvoyant demon

Fri., Nov. 27, 2009, 3:00pm, MATX 1100

Abstract:

Coin tosses are the very essence of probability theory. Yet, there are a number of simply stated problems that have resisted solution. These may involve Peter Winkler's clairvoyant demon, and they may sometimes be cast in the language of so-called dependent percolation. Three such problems and their extensions are discussed in this talk, together with some recent progress in collaboration with Ander Holroyd. The only prerequisite for the audience is an affinity for tossing a coin.

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