Mathematics 270pp - Topics in Geometry-Polygons and Polyhedra

Can an equilateral triangle be cut into several pieces and taped back together to form a square? If so, what is the smallest number of cuts required? Can the same be done with a regular tetrahedron and a cube? This course explores these "scissors congruence'' problems and other classical topics from discrete and computational geometry, such as art gallery theorems, gift wrapping, and various types of structures involving polygons and polyhedra. Throughout the semester, students have opportunities to pursue topics of particular individual interest (and, optionally, involving coding or the visual arts) by means of three projects. Prerequisite: MTH 153. (E)