Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2001
Publisher
Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Abstract
A simple mathematical model of a two-dimensional universe, called the Poincaré Upper Halfplane, illustrates the possibility of a universe with an unattainable edge. In this article, I describe this model -a famous example of a noneuclidean geometry-and explain how conversations with an analytic number theorist led me to create wallpaper patterns for its inhabitants. These are interesting not only for their high "Gee whiz!"factor, but also as a window for observing the features of this unusual geometry.
Recommended Citation
FARRIS, Frank A. "The Edge of the Universe-Noneuclidean Wallpaper."Math Horizons, 8, (September, 2001): 16-23. The MAA honored this article with the Trevor Evans Award in 2002. It later appeared in a volume of selected articles from Math Horizons, which took its title from the title of my article.
Comments
Copyright 2001 Mathematical Association of America. All Rights Reserved. Stable URL