Srinivasa Ramanujam’s classic number theory puzzle has been solved, by a University of Wisconsin* graduate student no less. Yes, a Badger by the name of Ken Mahlburg just proved why prime numbers have congruences by proving that the crank (read the article) can be extended to all primes. Richard Askey, UW-Madison emeritus math professor says, “There was no reason at all that multiplicative behaviors should have anything to do with additive structures involved in partitions.”
You know you’re a nerd when you understand that last sentence and know some of the people mentioned in the articles above.
This, of course, placed me on the trail of the Tamil word for badger. It is Thavazkaradi, literally translated as “creeping bear.” Makes sense. For further personal edification, here’s an article about the badger invasion of the Indian subcontinent.
* Only the finest institution of post-secondary education on this planet.
Is there any other kind of Badger? Let me know, so I can go eradicate them in the name of UW.
Yes, I am a proud Badger from the state of Wisconsin. Unfortunately, I am now miles away from my promised land.
Are you a UW-Badger? Coz I am….