Special Functions [Paperback]

An overview of special functions, focusing on the hypergeometric functions and the associated hypergeometric series.Special functions, which include the trigonometric functions, have been used for centuries. Their role in the solution of differential equations was exploited by Newton and Leibniz, and the subject of special functions has been in continuous development ever since. This treatise presents an overview of the area of special functions, focusing on the hypergeometric functions and the associated hypergeometric series. It includes both important historical results and recent developments and shows how these arise from several areas of mathematics and mathematical physics. Particular emphasis is placed on formulas that can be used in computation.This clear, authoritative work will be a lasting reference for students and researchers in number theory, algebra, combinatorics, differential equations, mathematical computing, and mathematical physics.Special functions, which include the trigonometric functions, have been used for centuries. Their role in the solution of differential equations was exploited by Newton and Leibniz, and the subject of special functions has been in continuous development ever since. This treatise presents an overview of the area of special functions, focusing on the hypergeometric functions and the associated hypergeometric series. It includes both important historical results and recent developments and shows how these arise from several areas of mathematics and mathematical physics. Particular emphasis is placed on formulas that can be used in computation.This clear, authoritative work will be a lasting reference for students and researchers in number theory, algebra, combinatorics, differential equations, mathematical computing, and mathematical physics.Special functions, which include the trigonometric functions, have been used for centuries. Their role in the solution of differential equations was exploited by Newton and l³D