A Beautiful Mind: Jennifer Connelly's Puzzle Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical problem presented in the film "Good Will Hunting," specifically the tasks involving the adjacency matrix and walk generation functions. Participants seek clarity on four key components: finding the adjacency matrix A, calculating the number of three-step walks, and determining the generation functions for walks from i to j and from 1 to 3. A reference to Wolfram's MathWorld is provided for additional context, and it is noted that the film inaccurately portrays the solvability of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of adjacency matrices in graph theory
  • Familiarity with matrix operations and properties
  • Knowledge of combinatorial mathematics related to walks in graphs
  • Basic grasp of generating functions in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of adjacency matrices in graph theory
  • Learn about calculating the number of walks in a graph using matrix exponentiation
  • Explore generating functions and their applications in combinatorial problems
  • Review the mathematical inaccuracies presented in "Good Will Hunting"
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, educators teaching graph theory, and film enthusiasts interested in the mathematical concepts portrayed in "Good Will Hunting."

Jeff Ford
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I know, I'm years behind the rest of the world, but I just saw this for the first time. I've been wondering what the problem is he writes on the board that Jennifer Connelly tries to solve.
 
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Sorry, I've never seen the movie, but someone told me I needed to watch it!
 
I want to know what the math problem in Good will hunting that the main character solves is.
 
Smurf said:
I want to know what the math problem in Good will hunting that the main character solves is.
Find
1) the adjacency matrix A
2) the matrix giving the number of three step walks
3) the generation function for walks from i -> j
4) the generation function for walks from 1 -> 3
 
Last edited:
Okay you're going to have to explain that in (just a few) more words...
 
I`d like to be able to help but my maths knowledge is very poor!
I know what the question is, as i asked myself the same question you did? but i don`t know how to solve it:confused:
try this for some more info
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/AdjacencyMatrix.html

oh and it is solvable the film got it wrong.
 
Last edited:

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