Synopses & Reviews
* Embraces a broad range of topics in analysis requiring only a sound knowledge of calculus and the functions of one variable. * Filled with beautiful illustrations, examples, exercises at the end of each chapter, and a comprehensive index.
Review
"This self-contained book aims to introduce the main ideas for studying approximation processes, more generally discrete processes at graduate level. The use of computers induces a growing need for studying discrete processes.... A key feature this lively yet rigorous and systematic treatment is the historical accounts of ideas and methods of the subject. Ideas in mathematics develop in cultural, historical and economical contexts, thus the authors made brief accounts of those aspects and used a large number of beautiful illustrations.... Each chapter has a short summary where the most important facts discussed are collected and described. There is also a large number of exercises inserted at various points into the text....The book is meant principally for graduate students in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science, but it can be used at technological and scientific faculties by anyone who wants to approach these topics. It may also be used in graduate seminars and courses or as a reference text by mathematicians, physicists, and engineers."
Synopsis
This volume aims at introducing some basic ideas for studying approxima tion processes and, more generally, discrete processes. The study of discrete processes, which has grown together with the study of infinitesimal calcu lus, has become more and more relevant with the use of computers. The volume is suitably divided in two parts. In the first part we illustrate the numerical systems of reals, of integers as a subset of the reals, and of complex numbers. In this context we intro duce, in Chapter 2, the notion of sequence which invites also a rethinking of the notions of limit and continuity2 in terms of discrete processes; then, in Chapter 3, we discuss some elements of combinatorial calculus and the mathematical notion of infinity. In Chapter 4 we introduce complex num bers and illustrate some of their applications to elementary geometry; in Chapter 5 we prove the fundamental theorem of algebra and present some of the elementary properties of polynomials and rational functions, and of finite sums of harmonic motions. In the second part we deal with discrete processes, first with the process of infinite summation, in the numerical case, i.e., in the case of numerical series in Chapter 6, and in the case of power series in Chapter 7. The last chapter provides an introduction to discrete dynamical systems; it should be regarded as an invitation to further study."
Synopsis
This book introduces the main ideas and fundamental methods of analysis. A key feature of this lively yet rigorous and systematic exposition is the historical accounts of ideas and methods pertaining to the relevant topics. Most interesting and useful are the connections developed between analysis and other mathematical disciplines, in this case, numerical analysis and probability theory. Mathematical Analysis: Approximation and Discrete Processes features beautiful illustrations, examples, and exercises at the end of each chapter.
Table of Contents
Preface * Real Numbers and Natural Numbers * Sequences of Real Numbers * Integer Numbers: Congruences, Counting and Infinity * Complex Numbers * Polynomials, Rational Functions and Trigonometric Polynomials * Series * Power Series * Discrete Processes * Mathematicans and Other Scientists * Bibliographical Notes * Index