This textbook is designed for an undergraduate course in computational or experimental mathematics. Many of the most interesting and important topics in theoretical mathematics are both motivated and illuminated by computation. By using a computer to explore and investigate mathematical phenomena, students are encouraged to conduct experiments and make their own discoveries. The explorations are motivated by rich and interesting mathematical examples drawn from diverse areas such as number theory, complex analysis, and probability. In this setting, students are exposed to key concepts from programming such as algorithms, recursion, and probabilistic sampling, allowing them to develop practical computational skills. Over 450 practice problems, exercises, and explorations are distributed regularly throughout the text, reinforcing the material and encouraging further investigations. A code repository, providing implementations of these examples, is available at the AMS webpage for the text. Thoroughly classroom tested and designed to show students how to combine mathematical and computational thinking, the book requires prior knowledge of only calculus and introductory linear algebra. Only minimal prior experience with computer programming is necessary, provided the reader has a computing environment, access to online documentation, and a willingness to experiment. Notably, the volume has been carefully prepared so that it may be used with almost any programming language.
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Undergraduate students explore computational mathematics where experiments illuminate theoretical concepts. Rich examples drawn from number theory, complex analysis and probability inspire discovery. Over 450 problems and exercises foster both mathematical reasoning and practical programming skills.
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  • Digits of $\pi$
  • Fibonacci sequence and its generalizations
  • Iterated functions
  • Primes
  • Probabilistic simulation
  • Markov chains
  • Image credits
  • Bibliography
  • Index
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Product details

ISBN
9781470473976
Published
2025-08-31
Publisher
American Mathematical Society; American Mathematical Society
Height
254 mm
Width
178 mm
Age
P, 06
Language
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Number of pages
364

Biographical note

Matthew P. Richey, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, and Matthew L. Wright, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN