T. W. Körner

Fourier analysis is a subject that was born in physics but grew up in mathematics. Now it is part of the standard repertoire for mathematicians, physicists and engineers. This diversity of interest is often overlooked, but in this much-loved book, Tom Körner provides a shop window for some of the ideas, techniques and elegant results of Fourier analysis, and for their applications. These range from number theory, numerical analysis, control theory and statistics, to earth science, astronomy and electrical engineering. The prerequisites are few (a reader with knowledge of second- or third-year undergraduate mathematics should have no difficulty following the text), and the style is lively and entertaining. This edition of Körner's 1989 text includes a foreword written by Professor Terence Tao introducing it to a new generation of fans.

Why do we need the real numbers? How should we construct them? These questions arose in the nineteenth century, along with the ideas and techniques needed to address them. Nowadays it is commonplace for apprentice mathematicians to hear 'we shall assume the standard properties of the real numbers' as part of their training. But exactly what are those properties? And why can we assume them? This book is clearly and entertainingly written for those students, with historical asides and exercises to foster understanding. Starting with the natural (counting) numbers and then looking at the rational numbers (fractions) and negative numbers, the author builds to a careful construction of the real numbers followed by the complex numbers, leaving the reader fully equipped with all the number systems required by modern mathematical analysis. Additional chapters on polynomials and quarternions provide further context for any reader wanting to delve deeper.

Why do we need the real numbers? How should we construct them? These questions arose in the nineteenth century, along with the ideas and techniques needed to address them. Nowadays it is commonplace for apprentice mathematicians to hear 'we shall assume the standard properties of the real numbers' as part of their training. But exactly what are those properties? And why can we assume them? This book is clearly and entertainingly written for those students, with historical asides and exercises to foster understanding. Starting with the natural (counting) numbers and then looking at the rational numbers (fractions) and negative numbers, the author builds to a careful construction of the real numbers followed by the complex numbers, leaving the reader fully equipped with all the number systems required by modern mathematical analysis. Additional chapters on polynomials and quarternions provide further context for any reader wanting to delve deeper.

From the author of The Pleasures of Counting and Naïve Decision Making comes a calculus book perfect for self-study. It will open up the ideas of the calculus for any 16- to 18-year-old, about to begin studies in mathematics, and will be useful for anyone who would like to see a different account of the calculus from that given in the standard texts. In a lively and easy-to-read style, Professor Körner uses approximation and estimates in a way that will easily merge into the standard development of analysis. By using Taylor's theorem with error bounds he is able to discuss topics that are rarely covered at this introductory level. This book describes important and interesting ideas in a way that will enthuse a new generation of mathematicians.

From the author of The Pleasures of Counting and Naïve Decision Making comes a calculus book perfect for self-study. It will open up the ideas of the calculus for any 16- to 18-year-old, about to begin studies in mathematics, and will be useful for anyone who would like to see a different account of the calculus from that given in the standard texts. In a lively and easy-to-read style, Professor Körner uses approximation and estimates in a way that will easily merge into the standard development of analysis. By using Taylor's theorem with error bounds he is able to discuss topics that are rarely covered at this introductory level. This book describes important and interesting ideas in a way that will enthuse a new generation of mathematicians.

Many books in linear algebra focus purely on getting students through exams, but this text explains both the how and the why of linear algebra and enables students to begin thinking like mathematicians. The author demonstrates how different topics (geometry, abstract algebra, numerical analysis, physics) make use of vectors in different ways and how these ways are connected, preparing students for further work in these areas. The book is packed with hundreds of exercises ranging from the routine to the challenging. Sketch solutions of the easier exercises are available online.

Many books in linear algebra focus purely on getting students through exams, but this text explains both the how and the why of linear algebra and enables students to begin thinking like mathematicians. The author demonstrates how different topics (geometry, abstract algebra, numerical analysis, physics) make use of vectors in different ways and how these ways are connected, preparing students for further work in these areas. The book is packed with hundreds of exercises ranging from the routine to the challenging. Sketch solutions of the easier exercises are available online.

How should one choose the best restaurant to eat in? Can one really make money at gambling? Or predict the future? Naive Decision Making presents the mathematical basis for making decisions where the outcome may be uncertain or the interests of others have to taken into consideration. Professor Körner takes the reader on an enjoyable journey through many aspects of mathematical decision making, with pithy observations, anecdotes and quotations. Topics include probability, statistics, Arrow's theorem, Game Theory and Nash equilibrium. Readers will also gain a great deal of insight into mathematics in general and the role it can play within society. Intended for those with elementary calculus, this book is ideal as a supplementary text for undergraduate courses in probability, game theory and decision making. Engaging and intriguing, it will also appeal to all those of a mathematical mind. To aid understanding, many exercises are included, with solutions available online.

How should one choose the best restaurant to eat in? Can one really make money at gambling? Or predict the future? Naive Decision Making presents the mathematical basis for making decisions where the outcome may be uncertain or the interests of others have to taken into consideration. Professor Körner takes the reader on an enjoyable journey through many aspects of mathematical decision making, with pithy observations, anecdotes and quotations. Topics include probability, statistics, Arrow's theorem, Game Theory and Nash equilibrium. Readers will also gain a great deal of insight into mathematics in general and the role it can play within society. Intended for those with elementary calculus, this book is ideal as a supplementary text for undergraduate courses in probability, game theory and decision making. Engaging and intriguing, it will also appeal to all those of a mathematical mind. To aid understanding, many exercises are included, with solutions available online.

Many students acquire knowledge of a large number of theorems and methods of calculus without being able to say how they work together. This book provides those students with the coherent account that they need. "A Companion to Analysis" explains the problems that must be resolved in order to procure a rigorous development of the calculus and shows the student how to deal with those problems. Starting with the real line, the book moves on to finite-dimensional spaces and then to metric spaces. Readers who work through this text will be ready for courses such as measure theory, functional analysis, complex analysis, and differential geometry. Moreover, they will be well on the road that leads from mathematics student to mathematician. With this book, well-known author Thomas Korner provides able and hard-working students a great text for independent study or for an advanced undergraduate or first-level graduate course. It includes many stimulating exercises. An appendix contains a large number of accessible but non-routine problems that will help students advance their knowledge and improve their technique.

What is the connection between the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho, the Battle of the Atlantic, African Eve and the design of anchors? One answer is that they are all examples chosen by Dr Tom Körner to show how a little mathematics can shed light on the world around us, and deepen our understanding of it. Dr Körner, an experienced author, describes a variety of topics which continue to interest professional mathematicians, like him. He does this using relatively simple terms and ideas, yet confronting difficulties (which are often the starting point for new discoveries) and avoiding condescension. If you have ever wondered what it is that mathematicians do, and how they go about it, then read on. If you are a mathematician wanting to explain to others how you spend your working days (and nights), then seek inspiration here.

For physicists, engineers and mathematicians, Fourier analysis constitutes a tool of great usefulness. A wide variety of the techniques and applications of the subject were discussed in Dr Körner’s highly popular book, Fourier Analysis. Now Dr Körner has compiled a collection of exercises on Fourier analysis that will thoroughly test the understanding of the reader. They are arranged chapter by chapter to correspond with Fourier Analysis, and for all who enjoyed that book, this companion volume will be an essential purchase.