It takes a beautiful mind

Daniel Bezdek solved a 500-year-old geometry problem posed by German Albrecht Durer.

How old are you?

I’m 15.

Your dad is a professor at the U of C, what does he teach?

He is teaching mathematics.

When did you learn long division?

I don’t exactly remember but long, long ago. Most likely in first grade.

How did you manage to solve a mathematical problem that has stumped people since the 16th century?

It seems I had luck, but I think also the timing of my attempt was right.

I’ve read that you called it a “beautiful problem.” That’s not the first word many people would use to describe math. What made it beautiful to you?

The reason it is beautiful is that the problem itself can be stated in a rather simple way—that it can be understood by anyone. The problem is connected to real world applications such as the famous problem of protein folding.

What’s next?

There are many beautiful problems to work on, and it is a bit early for me to say more about the problem that I plan to study for the next science fair.

You moved to Calgary from Hungary in 2003 (via New York).
What do you think of Calgary?

Since my father was invited to a number of universities to work; my family was often travelling outside Hungary for shorter or longer periods. We were all very excited when he was invited to U of C as a Canada Research Chair in mathematics. Of course, this meant for me, as well as for my two brothers, Mate and Mark, that we had to look for new schools and new friends. We’ve found Calgary a really welcoming place.

What else do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, drawing, and also playing a variety of sports, including soccer and basketball.

I hear you’re leaning towards attending U of C. What will
seal the deal?

Surely a good scholarship would strongly encourage me to attend U of C.

– Leslie Strudwick

U

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