Judy A. Holdener facts for kids

Judy Holdener is an American mathematician and educator. She teaches mathematics at Kenyon College, a university in the United States. Born in 1965, Judy Holdener is very interested in a part of math called number theory. She found an easier way to prove a special math rule, called a theorem, by a mathematician named Jacques Touchard. This rule talks about perfect numbers.

Who is Judy Holdener?

Judy Holdener is a professor who loves to teach math. She helps students learn about numbers and how they work. Her main focus is on number theory, which is a branch of mathematics that studies whole numbers and their properties. Think of it as exploring the secrets and patterns hidden within numbers!

What is Number Theory?

Number theory is a fascinating part of mathematics. It looks at whole numbers (like 1, 2, 3, and so on) and their special features. For example, it studies prime numbers, which are numbers that can only be divided by 1 and themselves (like 2, 3, 5, 7). It also looks at other types of numbers, like "perfect numbers."

What are Perfect Numbers?

A perfect number is a positive whole number that is equal to the sum of its positive divisors, not including the number itself. For example, the number 6 is a perfect number because its divisors (numbers that divide into it evenly) are 1, 2, and 3. If you add these up (1 + 2 + 3), you get 6! Another perfect number is 28 (1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28). Judy Holdener helped make it simpler to understand a rule about these special numbers.

Her Journey in Mathematics

Judy Holdener studied math for many years to become the expert she is today.

Where Did She Study?

She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), in mathematics from Kent State University. After that, she continued her studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There, she earned her Master of Science (M.S.) and her Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), which is the highest degree you can get in a field of study.

Teaching at Kenyon College

In 1997, Judy Holdener joined the team of teachers at Kenyon College. She is now known as the John B. McCoy Distinguished Teaching Chair. This special title means she is recognized for being an excellent teacher and for her dedication to helping students learn and love mathematics.

A Poem for a Mathematician

Judy Holdener's passion for math and life even inspired a poem! A famous South African poet named Athol Williams wrote a poem called Euler's Daughter. He dedicated this poem to Judy Holdener to celebrate her deep love for mathematics and her joyful approach to life.