Greenwich Maths Challenge 6

Here is the sixth Greenwich Maths Challenge. As usual there will be a small prize for the first correct solution emailed to A.Mann@gre.ac.uk by a Greenwich undergraduate.

If you specify the value of y at n different values of x there is a unique polynomial y=p(x) of degree n-1 which takes these values. But suppose I have a polynomial p(x) of unspecified degree, whose coefficients are all non-negative integers. If you give me a value of x I will tell you the value of p(x). What is the minimum number of evaluations you need to make, to be able to identify all the coefficients of my polynomial? To win the prize you must justify your answer.

Greenwich Maths Talent 2011

a graduation showcase supported by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).

King William Court 315, University of Greenwich, Friday 27 May, 6 - 7:30pm

Cheese, wine and soft drinks will be served.

This is an opportuty to celebrate the success of graduating maths students and to find out about the exciting projects they have worked on during the final year.

The showcase will be opened by Professor Tom Barnes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

The twitter hashtag is #GMT2011. There is also an event website.

All welcome - if you are coming, please tell Noel-Ann Bradshaw (N.Bradshaw@gre.ac.uk) for catering purposes.