Breaking Driver's License Codes
Date, Time and Location
Thursday, April 17, 2025
LECTURE | 7:00 P.M.
DESSERTS AND NETWORKING | 8:00 P.M.
LECTURE: First Floor, Main Auditorium
EVENT LOCATION:
USF Research Park Innovation Building
3814 Spectrum Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33612
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Many states use complicated algorithms or formulas to assign driver license numbers but keep the method confidential. Just for the fun of it, I attempted to figure out how the states code their license numbers. In this talk I will discuss how I was able to break the codes for Minnesota, Florida, Michigan, New York and Missouri. The talk illustrates an important problem-solving technique used by scientists but not emphasized in mathematics classes. It also teaches the lesson that sometimes things we do just for the sake of curiosity can have practical applications. The talk is intended for a general audience. No advanced mathematics is needed.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Joseph Gallian, Professor
University of Minnesota Duluth
Joe Gallian received a Ph. D. from Notre Dame in 1971. He has been at the University
of Minnesota Duluth since 1972. He is the author of the book "Contemporary Abstract
Algebra" (10th edition) and co-author of the book "For All Practical Purposes" (10th
edition). His research interests include groups, graphs and combinatorics. He has
published more than 100 articles
and given over 500 lectures at colleges, universities and conferences. He has directed
summer research programs for undergraduate students since 1977. He has received multiple
teaching awards from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and the University
of Minnesota, as well as a teaching award from the Carnegie Foundation and an award
from the MAA for distinguished contributions to mathematical education. He is a former
president of the MAA and a fellow of the American Mathematical Society. Besides teaching
the usual math courses, he taught a humanities course called,"The Lives and Music
of the Beatles," for 33 years.
PARKING
Guest parking is available at USF Research Park.
For more information about guest parking and accessible parking options, please visit
the Parking Services website.
DIRECTIONS
For reasonable accommodations or questions, please contact CAS RSVP.