Gamma: Exploring Euler's Constant (Princeton Science Library (84))

Havil, Julian; Dyson, Freeman [Foreword]

ISBN 10: 0691141339 / ISBN 13: 9780691141336

Published by Princeton University Press, 2009

About this Item

In fine condition, with some shelf-wear on the cover or some dirt on the edge, clean pages.

Seller Inventory # A-gj24-34260

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Gamma: Exploring Euler's Constant (Princeton Science Library (84))
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691141339
• ISBN 13: 9780691141336
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Among the many constants that appear in mathematics, ?, e, and i are the most familiar. Following closely behind is ?,, or gamma, a constant that arises in many mathematical areas yet maintains a profound sense of mystery. In a tantalizing blend of history and mathematics, Julian Havil takes the reader on a journey through logarithms and the harmonic series, the two defining elements of gamma, toward the first account of gamma's place in mathematics. Introduced by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), who figures prominently in this book, gamma is defined as the limit of the sum of 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + ...Up to 1/n, minus the natural logarithm of n--the numerical value being 0.5772156...But unlike its more celebrated colleagues ? and e, the exact nature of gamma remains a mystery--we don't even know if gamma can be expressed as a fraction. Among the numerous topics that arise during this historical odyssey into fundamental mathematical ideas are the Prime Number Theorem and the most important open problem in mathematics today--the Riemann Hypothesis (though no proof of either is offered!). Sure to be popular with not only students and instructors but all math aficionados, Gamma takes us through countries, centuries, lives, and works, unfolding along the way the stories of some remarkable mathematics from some remarkable mathematicians.

About the Author

Julian Havil is a former master at Winchester College, England, where he taught mathematics for thirty-three years. He received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Oxford University. Freeman Dyson is professor emeritus of physics at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He is the author of several books, including "Disturbing the Universe" and "Origins of Life".