Join us for an introduction to different ways of measuring distance with Jaclyn Lang. And, of course, there will be free pizza!
Abstract: Everyone knows what distance is; even little children ask about it on interminable car rides! In this talk we will approach the familiar notion of distance with a mathematician’s lens. After extracting and axiomatizing the key properties of a distance function, we will explore surprising and unfamiliar worlds that arise simply by changing the definition of distance. After a quick review of
Euclidean geometry, we will touch on spherical geometry, graph/taxicab metrics, hyperbolic geometry, and p-adic geometry. I will also explain how you can get involved with creating an Outreach Exhibit on this topic at the 2026 International Congress of Mathematicians in Philadelphia!