Mathematical Conversations
A Radically Condensed History of Transcendental Number Theory
It is well-known that the constant e is transcendental, but many proofs of this fact seem opaque with some polynomial appearing to be pulled out of thin air. The goal of this talk is then to elucidate this proof, explain how the proof of $\pi$ being transcendental is just one step away, and, time permitting, mention why the proof for $e^\pi$ is not as far as Hilbert predicted.
Date & Time
March 18, 2026 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
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03/18/2026 18:00
03/18/2026 20:00
Mathematical Conversations
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Topic: A Radically Condensed History of Transcendental Number Theory
Speakers: Dmitry Krachun, Princeton University
More: https://www.ias.edu/math/events/mathematical-conversations-313
It is well-known that the constant e is transcendental, but many
proofs of this fact seem opaque with some polynomial appearing to be
pulled out of thin air. The goal of this talk is then to elucidate
this proof, explain how the proof of $\pi$ being transcendental is
just one step away, and, time permitting, mention why the proof for
$e^\pi$ is not as far as Hilbert predicted.
Simons Hall Dilworth Room
a7a99c3d46944b65a08073518d638c23
Location
Simons Hall Dilworth RoomSpeakers
Dmitry Krachun, Princeton University