Numbers and Functions: From a Classical-Experimental Mathematician's Point of View (Student Mathematical Library)

Victor H. Moll

ISBN 10: 0821887955 / ISBN 13: 9780821887950

Published by American Mathematical Society (edition ), 2012

About this Item

It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.

Seller Inventory # 0821887955-11-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Numbers and Functions: From a Classical-Experimental Mathematician's Point of View (Student Mathematical Library)
• Publisher: American Mathematical Society (edition )
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0821887955
• ISBN 13: 9780821887950
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

New mathematics often comes about by probing what is already known. Mathematicians will change the parameters in a familiar calculation or explore the essential ingredients of a classic proof. Almost magically, new ideas emerge from this process. This book examines elementary functions, such as those encountered in calculus courses, from this point of view of experimental mathematics. The focus is on exploring the connections between these functions and topics in number theory and combinatorics. There is also an emphasis throughout the book on how current mathematical software can be used to discover and prove interesting properties of these functions. The book provides a transition between elementary mathematics and more advanced topics, trying to make this transition as smooth as possible. Many topics occur in the book, but they are all part of a bigger picture of mathematics. By delving into a variety of them, the reader will develop this broad view. The large collection of problems is an essential part of the book. The problems vary from routine verifications of facts used in the text to the exploration of open questions.

Review

On the whole, this is an extraordinarily interesting book overflowing with (mostly) elementary non-routine mathematics. It's well-written and a pleasure to read. I've been keeping it on my desk for the ease of access; it's going to stay there for some while. I recommend it wholeheartedly to math instructors, teachers, and students, especially those who have only a slight interest in the subject. The book is bound to expand their horizons. --MAA Reviews