Award: Carl B. Allendoerfer

Year of Award: 1987

Publication Information: Mathematics Magazine, Vol. 59 (1986), pp. 131-148

Summary: A famous unsolved problem and the story of De Branges' surprising proof.

Link to Article

About the Author: (from Mathematics Magazine, Vol. 59 (1986)) Paul Zorn received his Ph.D. in several complex variables, from the University of Washington. The BC story combines two of his interests -- analysis and expository writing. He is also interested in using computer graphics and computer algebra systems to teach mathematical ideas, without teaching computer programming.  Zorn is a professor at St. Olaf.