Publisher description

While classical orthogonal polynomials appear as solutions to hypergeometric differential equations, those of a discrete variable emerge as solutions of difference equations of hypergeometric type on lattices. The authors present a concise introduction to this theory, presenting at the same time methods of solving a large class of difference equations. They apply the theory to various problems in scientific computing, probability, queuing theory, coding and information compression. The book is an expanded and revised version of the first edition, published in Russian (Nauka 1985). Students and scientists will find a useful textbook in numerical analysis.

The first modern treatment of orthogonal polynomials from the viewpoint of special functions is now available in paperback.

Special functions and orthogonal polynomials in particular have been around for centuries. Can you imagine mathematics without trigonometric functions, the exponential function or polynomials? In the twentieth century the emphasis was on special functions satisfying linear differential equations, but this has now been extended to difference equations, partial differential equations and non-linear differential equations. The present set of lecture notes containes seven chapters about the current state of orthogonal polynomials and special functions and gives a view on open problems and future directions. The topics are: computational methods and software for quadrature and approximation, equilibrium problems in logarithmic potential theory, discrete orthogonal polynomials and convergence of Krylov subspace methods in numerical linear algebra, orthogonal rational functions and matrix orthogonal rational functions, orthogonal polynomials in several variables (Jack polynomials) and separation of variables, a classification of finite families of orthogonal polynomials in Askey’s scheme using Leonard pairs, and non-linear special functions associated with the Painlevé equations.

Extensive update of the Bateman Manuscript Project. Volume 1 covers orthogonal polynomials and moment problems.

This book presents contributions of international and local experts from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS-Cameroon) and also from other local universities in the domain of orthogonal polynomials and applications. The topics addressed range from univariate to multivariate orthogonal polynomials, from multiple orthogonal polynomials and random matrices to orthogonal polynomials and Painlevé equations. The contributions are based on lectures given at the AIMS-Volkswagen Stiftung Workshop on Introduction of Orthogonal Polynomials and Applications held on October 5–12, 2018 in Douala, Cameroon. This workshop, funded within the framework of the Volkswagen Foundation Initiative "Symposia and Summer Schools", was aimed globally at promoting capacity building in terms of research and training in orthogonal polynomials and applications, discussions and development of new ideas as well as development and enhancement of networking including south-south cooperation.