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Graeco-Latin Squares and a Mistaken Conjecture of Euler

Dominic Klyve & Lee Stemkoski
Dartmouth College

Thursday, October 17, 2002
102 Bradley Hall, 4 pm
Tea 3:30 pm, Math Lounge

Abstract: Euler once conjectured that Graeco-Latin squares of order 4n+2 do not exist. We discuss the history of this problem and repeated attempts at proof and disproof. In addition, we survey a variety of mathematical techniques that were developed as a result during the following 200 years, culminating in a complete refutation of Euler's conjecture.

This talk will be accessible to undergraduates.