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This series is devoted to significant topics or themes that have wide application in mathematics or mathematical science and for which a detailed development of the abstract theory is less important than a thorough and concrete exploration of the implications and applications. Books in The Encyclopedia of Mathematics and Its Applications cover their subject comprehensively. Less important results may be summarized as exercises at the ends of chapters. For technicalities, readers can be referred to the bibliography, which is expected to be comprehensive. As a result, volumes are encyclopedic references or manageable guides to major subjects.

  • Editorial Boards: R. Doran, M. Ismail, T.-Y. Lam, E. Lutwak

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176 results in Encyclopedia of Mathematics and its Applications

Page 3 of 9

Categorical Foundations
  • Special Topics in Order, Topology, Algebra, and Sheaf Theory
  • Edited by Maria Cristina Pedicchio, Walter Tholen
  • Published online:
    05 November 2013
    Print publication:
    03 November 2003
  • The book offers categorical introductions to order, topology, algebra and sheaf theory, suitable for graduate students, teachers and researchers of pure mathematics. Readers familiar with the very basic notions of category theory will learn about the main tools that are used in modern categorical mathematics but are not readily available in the literature. Hence, in eight rather independent chapters the reader will encounter various ways of how to study 'spaces': order-theoretically via their open-set lattices, as objects of a fairly abstract category merely via their interaction with other objects, or via their topoi of set-valued sheaves. Likewise, 'algebras' are treated both as models for Lawvere's algebraic theories and as Eilenberg-Moore algebras for monads, but they appear also as the objects of an abstract category with various levels of 'exactness' conditions. The abstract methods are illustrated by applications which, in many cases, lead to results not yet found in more traditional presentations of the various subjects, for instance on the exponentiability of spaces and embeddability of algebras.

Banach Algebras and the General Theory of *-Algebras
  • Volume 2, *-Algebras
  • Theodore W. Palmer
  • Published online:
    05 October 2013
    Print publication:
    23 April 2001
  • This is the second volume of a two-volume set that provides a modern account of basic Banach algebra theory including all known results on general Banach *-algebras. The author emphasizes the roles of *-algebra structure and explores the algebraic results which underlie the theory of Banach algebras and *-algebras. Proofs are presented in complete detail at a level accessible to graduate students. The books will become the standard reference for the general theory of *-algebras. This second volume deals with *-algebras. Chapter 9 develops the theory of *-algebras without additional restrictions. Chapter 10 proves nearly all the results previously known for Banach *-algebras and hermitian Banach *-algebras for *-algebras with various essentially algebraic restrictions. Chapter 11 restates the previous results in terms of Banach *-algebras and uses them to prove results explicitly involving the complete norm. Chapter 12 is devoted to locally compact groups and the *-algebras related to them.

Lattice Sums Then and Now
  • J. M. Borwein, M. L. Glasser, R. C. McPhedran, J. G. Wan, I. J. Zucker
  • Published online:
    05 September 2013
    Print publication:
    05 September 2013
  • The study of lattice sums began when early investigators wanted to go from mechanical properties of crystals to the properties of the atoms and ions from which they were built (the literature of Madelung's constant). A parallel literature was built around the optical properties of regular lattices of atoms (initiated by Lord Rayleigh, Lorentz and Lorenz). For over a century many famous scientists and mathematicians have delved into the properties of lattices, sometimes unwittingly duplicating the work of their predecessors. Here, at last, is a comprehensive overview of the substantial body of knowledge that exists on lattice sums and their applications. The authors also provide commentaries on open questions, and explain modern techniques which simplify the task of finding new results in this fascinating and ongoing field. Lattice sums in one, two, three, four and higher dimensions are covered.

Rational Approximation of Real Functions
  • P. P. Petrushev, Vasil Atanasov Popov
  • Published online:
    05 August 2013
    Print publication:
    14 April 1988
  • Originally published in 1987, this book is devoted to the approximation of real functions by real rational functions. These are, in many ways, a more convenient tool than polynomials, and interest in them was growing, especially since D. Newman's work in the mid-sixties. The authors aim at presenting the basic achievements of the subject and, for completeness, also discuss some topics from complex rational approximation. Certain classical and modern results from linear approximation theory and spline approximation are also included for comparative purposes. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in approximation theory and numerical analysis.

Regular Variation
  • N. H. Bingham, C. M. Goldie, J. L. Teugels
  • Published online:
    05 July 2013
    Print publication:
    11 June 1987
  • This book is a comprehensive account of the theory and applications of regular variation. It is concerned with the asymptotic behaviour of a real function of a real variable x which is 'close' to a power of x. Such functions are much more than a convenient extension of powers. In many limit theorems regular variation is intrinsic to the result, and exactly characterises the limit behaviour. The book emphasises such characterisations, and gives a comprehensive treatment of those applications where regular variation plays an essential (rather then merely convenient) role. The authors rigorously develop the basic ideas of Karamata theory and de Haan theory including many new results and 'second-order' theorems. They go on to discuss the role of regular variation in Abelian, Tauberian, and Mercerian theorems. These results are then applied in analytic number theory, complex analysis, and probability, with the aim above all of setting the theory in context. A widely scattered literature is thus brought together in a unified approach. With several appendices and a comprehensive list of references, analysts, number theorists, and probabilists will find this an invaluable and complete account of regular variation. It will provide a rigorous and authoritative introduction to the subject for research students in these fields.

Matrices and Graphs in Geometry
  • Miroslav Fiedler
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    03 February 2011
  • Simplex geometry is a topic generalizing geometry of the triangle and tetrahedron. The appropriate tool for its study is matrix theory, but applications usually involve solving huge systems of linear equations or eigenvalue problems, and geometry can help in visualizing the behaviour of the problem. In many cases, solving such systems may depend more on the distribution of non-zero coefficients than on their values, so graph theory is also useful. The author has discovered a method that in many (symmetric) cases helps to split huge systems into smaller parts. Many readers will welcome this book, from undergraduates to specialists in mathematics, as well as non-specialists who only use mathematics occasionally, and anyone who enjoys geometric theorems. It acquaints the reader with basic matrix theory, graph theory and elementary Euclidean geometry so that they too can appreciate the underlying connections between these various areas of mathematics and computer science.

Product Integration with Application to Differential Equations
  • John Day Dollard, Charles N. Friedman
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • Originally published in 1979, this book shows the beautiful simplifications that can be brought to the theory of differential equations by treating such equations from the product integral viewpoint. The first chapter of the book, dealing with linear ordinary differential equations, should be accessible to anyone with a knowledge of matrix theory and elementary calculus. Later chapters assume more sophistication on the part of the reader. The essential unity of these subjects is illustrated by the fact that the idea of the product integral can be naturally and effectively used to deal with all of them.

The Logic of Quantum Mechanics
  • Volume 15
  • Enrico G. Beltrametti, Gianni Cassinelli
  • Edited by Gian-Carlo Rota
  • Foreword by Peter A. Carruthers
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • Originally published in 1981, this book forms volume 15 of the Encyclopedia of Mathematics and its Applications. The text provides a clear and thorough treatment of its subject, adhering to a clean exposition of the mathematical content of serious formulations of rational physical alternatives of quantum theory as elaborated in the influential works of the period, to which the authors made a significant contribution. The treatment falls into three distinct, logical parts: in the first part, the modern version of accumulated wisdom is presented, avoiding as far as possible the traditional language of classical physics for its interpretational character; in the second part, the individual structural elements for the logical content of the theory are laid out; in part three, the results of section two are used to reconstruct the usual Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics in a novel way.

Noncommutative Rational Series with Applications
  • Jean Berstel, Christophe Reutenauer
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    14 October 2010
  • The algebraic theory of automata was created by Schützenberger and Chomsky over 50 years ago and there has since been a great deal of development. Classical work on the theory to noncommutative power series has been augmented more recently to areas such as representation theory, combinatorial mathematics and theoretical computer science. This book presents to an audience of graduate students and researchers a modern account of the subject and its applications. The algebraic approach allows the theory to be developed in a general form of wide applicability. For example, number-theoretic results can now be more fully explored, in addition to applications in automata theory, codes and non-commutative algebra. Much material, for example, Schützenberger's theorem on polynomially bounded rational series, appears here for the first time in book form. This is an excellent resource and reference for all those working in algebra, theoretical computer science and their areas of overlap.

Field Extensions and Galois Theory
  • Julio R. Bastida
  • Foreword by Roger Lyndon
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • Originally published in 1984, the principal objective of this book is to make the general theory of field extensions accessible to any reader with a modest background in groups, rings and vector spaces. Galois theory is generally regarded as one of the central and most beautiful parts of algebra and its creation marked the culmination of investigations by generations of mathematicians on one of the oldest problems in algebra, the solvability of polynomial equations by radicals.

Boolean Models and Methods in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering
  • Edited by Yves Crama, Peter L. Hammer
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 June 2010
  • This collection of papers presents a series of in-depth examinations of a variety of advanced topics related to Boolean functions and expressions. The chapters are written by some of the most prominent experts in their respective fields and cover topics ranging from algebra and propositional logic to learning theory, cryptography, computational complexity, electrical engineering, and reliability theory. Beyond the diversity of the questions raised and investigated in different chapters, a remarkable feature of the collection is the common thread created by the fundamental language, concepts, models, and tools provided by Boolean theory. Many readers will be surprised to discover the countless links between seemingly remote topics discussed in various chapters of the book. This text will help them draw on such connections to further their understanding of their own scientific discipline and to explore new avenues for research.

Geometric Tomography
  • 2nd edition
  • Richard J. Gardner
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    19 June 2006
  • Geometric tomography deals with the retrieval of information about a geometric object from data concerning its projections (shadows) on planes or cross-sections by planes. It is a geometric relative of computerized tomography, which reconstructs an image from X-rays of a human patient. The subject overlaps with convex geometry and employs many tools from that area, including some formulas from integral geometry. It also has connections to discrete tomography, geometric probing in robotics and to stereology. This comprehensive study provides a rigorous treatment of the subject. Although primarily meant for researchers and graduate students in geometry and tomography, brief introductions, suitable for advanced undergraduates, are provided to the basic concepts. More than 70 illustrations are used to clarify the text. The book also presents 66 unsolved problems. Each chapter ends with extensive notes, historical remarks, and some biographies. This edition includes numerous updates and improvements, with some 300 new references bringing the total to over 800.

Solving Polynomial Equation Systems II
  • Macaulay's Paradigm and Gröbner Technology
  • Teo Mora
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    05 May 2005
  • The second volume of this comprehensive treatise focusses on Buchberger theory and its application to the algorithmic view of commutative algebra. In distinction to other works, the presentation here is based on the intrinsic linear algebra structure of Groebner bases, and thus elementary considerations lead easily to the state-of-the-art in issues of implementation. The same language describes the applications of Groebner technology to the central problems of commutative algebra. The book can be also used as a reference on elementary ideal theory and a source for the state-of-the-art in its algorithmization. Aiming to provide a complete survey on Groebner bases and their applications, the author also includes advanced aspects of Buchberger theory, such as the complexity of the algorithm, Galligo's theorem, the optimality of degrevlex, the Gianni-Kalkbrener theorem, the FGLM algorithm, and so on. Thus it will be essential for all workers in commutative algebra, computational algebra and algebraic geometry.

Permanents
  • Henryk Minc
  • Foreword by Marvin Marcus
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • The purpose of this book, which was first published in 1978, is to give a complete account of the theory of permanents, their history and applications. This volume was the first complete account of the theory of permanents, covering virtually the whole of the subject, a feature that no simple survey of the theory of matrices can even attempt. The work also contains many results stated without formal proofs. This book can be used as a textbook at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level. The only prerequisites are a standard undergraduate course in the theory of matrices and a measure of mathematical maturity.

Applied Combinatorics on Words
  • M. Lothaire
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    11 July 2005
  • A series of important applications of combinatorics on words has emerged with the development of computerized text and string processing. The aim of this volume, the third in a trilogy, is to present a unified treatment of some of the major fields of applications. After an introduction that sets the scene and gathers together the basic facts, there follow chapters in which applications are considered in detail. The areas covered include core algorithms for text processing, natural language processing, speech processing, bioinformatics, and areas of applied mathematics such as combinatorial enumeration and fractal analysis. No special prerequisites are needed, and no familiarity with the application areas or with the material covered by the previous volumes is required. The breadth of application, combined with the inclusion of problems and algorithms and a complete bibliography will make this book ideal for graduate students and professionals in mathematics, computer science, biology and linguistics.

Control Theory for Partial Differential Equations
  • Continuous and Approximation Theories
  • Volume 1, Abstract Parabolic Systems
  • Irena Lasiecka, Roberto Triggiani
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    13 February 2000
  • Originally published in 2000, this is the first volume of a comprehensive two-volume treatment of quadratic optimal control theory for partial differential equations over a finite or infinite time horizon, and related differential (integral) and algebraic Riccati equations. Both continuous theory and numerical approximation theory are included. The authors use an abstract space, operator theoretic approach, which is based on semigroups methods, and which is unifying across a few basic classes of evolution. The various abstract frameworks are motivated by, and ultimately directed to, partial differential equations with boundary/point control. Volume 1 includes the abstract parabolic theory for the finite and infinite cases and corresponding PDE illustrations as well as various abstract hyperbolic settings in the finite case. It presents numerous fascinating results. These volumes will appeal to graduate students and researchers in pure and applied mathematics and theoretical engineering with an interest in optimal control problems.

Variational Principles in Mathematical Physics, Geometry, and Economics
  • Qualitative Analysis of Nonlinear Equations and Unilateral Problems
  • Alexandru Kristály, Vicenţiu D. Rădulescu, Csaba Varga
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    19 August 2010
  • This comprehensive introduction to the calculus of variations and its main principles also presents their real-life applications in various contexts: mathematical physics, differential geometry, and optimization in economics. Based on the authors' original work, it provides an overview of the field, with examples and exercises suitable for graduate students entering research. The method of presentation will appeal to readers with diverse backgrounds in functional analysis, differential geometry and partial differential equations. Each chapter includes detailed heuristic arguments, providing thorough motivation for the material developed later in the text. Since much of the material has a strong geometric flavor, the authors have supplemented the text with figures to illustrate the abstract concepts. Its extensive reference list and index also make this a valuable resource for researchers working in a variety of fields who are interested in partial differential equations and functional analysis.

Mathematical Theory of Entropy
  • Nathaniel F. G. Martin, James W. England
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • Originally published in 1981, this excellent treatment of the mathematical theory of entropy gives an accessible exposition of the ways in which this idea has been applied to information theory, ergodic theory, topological dynamics and statistical mechanics. Scientists who want a quick understanding of how entropy is applied in disciplines not their own, or simply desire a better understanding of the mathematical foundation of the entropy function will find this to be a valuable book.

The Racah-Wigner Algebra in Quantum Theory
  • L. C. Biedenharn, J. D. Louck
  • Published online:
    05 June 2013
    Print publication:
    28 December 1984
  • First published by Cambridge University Press in 1985, this series of Encyclopedia volumes attempts to present the factual body of all mathematics. Clarity of exposition and accessibility to the non-specialist were an important consideration in its design and language. The development of the algebraic aspects of angular momentum theory and the relationship between angular momentum theory and special topics in physics and mathematics are covered in this volume.

Minkowski Geometry
  • A. C. Thompson
  • Published online:
    05 May 2013
    Print publication:
    28 June 1996
  • Minkowski geometry is a type of non-Euclidean geometry in a finite number of dimensions in which distance is not 'uniform' in all directions. This book presents the first comprehensive treatment of Minkowski geometry since the 1940s. The author begins by describing the fundamental metric properties and the topological properties of existence of Minkowski space. This is followed by a treatment of two-dimensional spaces and characterisations of Euclidean space among normed spaces. The central three chapters present the theory of area and volume in normed spaces, a fascinating geometrical interplay among the various roles of the ball in Euclidean space. Later chapters deal with trigonometry and differential geometry in Minkowski spaces. The book ends with a brief look at J. J. Schaffer's ideas on the intrinsic geometry of the unit sphere. Minkowski Geometry will appeal to students and researchers interested in geometry, convexity theory and functional analysis.

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