CAS Academician Prof. Yuan Yaxiang gave a lecture titled “Golden Section and Optimization Methods” at the Yuquanlu campus on March 12. UCAS Vice-President Prof. Gao Hongjun hosted the lecture which was part of the lecture series, Experts on Science Frontiers, sponsored by UCAS.
Prof. Yuan began his speech saying he was very happy to see all of the students in the new semester after he had participated in the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference earlier that day. He explained the application of the Golden Section using such examples as the five-starred red flag, the ancient Greek temples in Athens, and Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings. He also explained the origin of the name of the Golden Section.
Concerning optimization methods, Prof. Yuan described such notable examples of operations research in ancient China as Tianji’s horse racing, as well as Euler and the Seven Bridges of Königsberg problem. Yuan also referred to the application of optimization methods in contemporary life.
Prof Yuan concluded by citing maxims of Newton, Leibnitz and Euler, hoping that the graduate students might optimize their own lives.
After an active question and answer section, Prof. Yuan’s speech ended in warm applause.
