Fractals: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) - Softcover

Falconer, Kenneth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199675988 ISBN 13: 9780199675982

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2013

Synopsis

From the contours of coastlines to the outlines of clouds, and the branching of trees, fractal shapes can be found everywhere in nature. In this Very Short Introduction, Kenneth Falconer explains the basic concepts of fractal geometry, which produced a revolution in our mathematical understanding of patterns in the twentieth century, and explores the wide range of applications in science, and in aspects of economics.

About the Series:
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth Falconer, Professor of Pure Mathematics, University of St Andrews

Kenneth Falconer is Professor of Pure Mathematics at St Andrews University. He has published many papers on fractal geometry, and three books on the topic, including Fractal Geometry: Mathematical Foundations and Applications (Wiley-Blackwell).

Review

"If you are not familiar with the mathematical basis of fractals, the basic history of the development of the field and how they can be used to describe many natural processes, then this book will serve as an effective primer." --MAA Reviews

"Anyone intrigued by gorgeous pictures of fractals seen in other books or online may turn here to learn about the mathematics behind them...The present book includes references to important papers, some background history, and fascinating applications." --CHOICE

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0199675988
• ISBN 13: 9780199675982
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 160