\Use of Computer Technology for Insight and Proof: Strengths, Weaknesses and Practical Strate-
Kent Pearce · 2010
The Kirkman schoolgirls problem, a famous gem due to T. P. Kirkman in the mid 19th century, asks for 7 distinct arrange- ments of 15 girls into 5 rows of 3 girls each, assuming that each girl walks in a row with every other girl exactly once. Solutions to this famous problem can be found in algebraic number elds, nite projective 3-space, and certain error-correcting codes. Well discuss each of these areas, discover the connections, and explain the underlying mathematical objects.