Lesson 33: The Riemann Hypothesis, Part 1
Preview
Over the next two lessons we’ll see that in addition to its applications to fluids and partial differential equations, complex analysis also has very important applications to number theory. Today we’ll start working our way towards stating (and understanding) the Riemann Hypothesis, the most famous unsolved problem in mathematics. In Module I we’ll introduce the Euler zeta function; in Module II we’ll introduce the Riemann zeta function (a complex function), which is what the Hypothesis is all about (as we’ll see in the next lesson). In Module III we’ll show that the Riemann zeta function is analytic on Re(z) > 1.
Review
The practice problems from Lesson 24
Learn
The lesson notes below contain a learning plan with three stages -- Learn, Reflect, and Practice -- and guidance for what to do within each stage. Some tips for you as you work through this resource, and those that it points to:
I recommend using Cornell Notes (or a modification of it; see this video starting at the 1:05 mark) to take notes on the lesson and the videos. This note-taking method balances detail with big-picture thinking to help you summarize and retain what you are learning. See this other video for additional note-taking techniques you might want to experiment with.
Lesson Notes
Lesson 33.pdfReflect
If you are currently enrolled in this course with me, submit the written reflections Google Form I have emailed you after working through the lesson notes and videos. Some tips:
Submit substantive, but concise, answers to each question; you will be doing the future you a big favor by taking time now to accurately and succinctly summarize what you have learned from the lesson.
Send yourself a copy of your reflections; they will come in handy later when you start preparing for quizzes and other assessments.
If you are not currently enrolled in this course with me, those written reflections ask three reflective questions designed to help you retain what you've learned and pinpoint any remaining areas of confusion. Those questions are:
Please summarize the main mathematical takeaways from the lesson notes.
What was the most interesting part of what you learned, and why?
What, if anything, do you still find confusing?
Practice
Work through the practice problems suggested below to see how much of this lesson you've understood.
Lesson 33 PP.pdf