Question

Normalizing the Markov trace over the Temperley–Lieb algebra defines one of these functions. (10[1])One of these functions whose value changes after a type I Reidemeister (“RYE-duh-my-ster”) move is the Kauffman bracket. The initials of six co-discoverers name one of these functions called HOMFLY. Functions of (10[1])this type commonly used as knot invariants are exemplified by ones named after James Alexander (10[1])and (10[1])Vaughan Jones. One sequence of these functions satisfies the relation “T-sub-n evaluated (10[1])at (10[1])cosine of theta equals cosine of (10[1])n times theta,” (10[1])and is the “first kind” named after Chebyshev. (10[1])By (-5[1])the Cayley–Hamilton theorem, every square matrix evaluates to zero when plugged into its own characteristic one of these functions. (10[2])For 10 points, the fundamental theorem of algebra states that what functions have a number of roots equal to their degree? (10[1])■END■ (0[2])

ANSWER: polynomials [accept knot polynomials, HOMFLY polynomial, Alexander polynomial, Jones polynomial, Kauffman polynomial; accept Chebyshev polynomial or Chebyshev polynomial of the first kind; accept characteristic polynomial; prompt on knot invariants until read]
<Other Science>
= Average correct buzz position

Summary

2024 ACF Regionals @ Nebraska01/27/2024Y683%0%17%101.80
2024 ACF Regionals @ Imperial01/27/2024Y888%0%0%57.43

Buzzes

PlayerTeamOpponentBuzz PositionValue
Michael KohnDurham AEdinburgh1210
Jacob RobertsonOxford ACambridge A4310
Jaime Salamanca CamachoImperial BImperial A5810
Andrew FisherSheffieldOxford B5910
Ian DewanKielOxford C7110
Chinmay MurthyTexas AAppalachian State7210
Rhys LewisCambridge BWarwick7810
Linus LuuCambridge CBristol8110
Akshay SeetharamClaremont ATexas A&M A8910
Dimitris KalafatisTexas A&M BSorbonne90-5
John ChenUBC AIowa A10910
Jason ThieuMichigan State ARice A10910
Sophie HiggsUW AIowa B13010
Aisling SkeetDurham BKCL1310
Haike LiuKCLDurham B1310