How does Google actually work and what does this have to do with math?

In the Google workshop, students discover the secret of the world's most popular search engine. The success of Google lies in the PageRank algorithm, whose functionality is discovered in the workshop by the students. This algorithm ensures that the web pages that are displayed for a search term fit particularly well. PageRank sets a rank for each website containing the search term. Thus the pages for a search term appear in an order given by the rankings.

Small groups use simple Julia programs to search the Internet from any page and create a ranking of the pages found. Experimenting with small networks will explore the underlying mathematical theory. In particular, this workshop focuses on the networking of different contents from the fields of stochastics, linear algebra and analysis. Due to the problem-oriented approach, pupils learn new mathematical concepts in a playful way.

The module is designed to be action-oriented, in that the pupils draw up a ranking for their own small network and trains specialist competences in the field of linear algebra and stochastics to a particular degree.

The module is recommended for advanced mathematics courses, which deal with stochastic transition matrices at the time of CAMMP days. The module can then be used as a varied addition to the lessons.
However, the module can also be implemented without the understanding of matrices.

Duration: from 4 hours
Contents: stochastics (probability concept), analysis (limit value), algebra (transition matrices)
Previous knowledge: Intermediate Mathematics
Participants: Advanced Mathematics Courses
Created by: Kai Krycki, Sarah Schönbrodt
Registration: Appointments can be arranged individually by e-mail.

https://wsm6.scc.kit.edu/CMS/ioLoadImage.asp?Action=ShowPreview&SubFolderGuid=3ABC14B8057440CA8CE0D10C0D5D0051&ImageTitle=Google.jpg&FolderGuid=3ABC14B8057440CA8CE0D10C0D5D0051&DummyRefreshTime=1515402923620
https://tinyurl.com/wqxo3v2