Traditionally a subject of number theory, continued fractions appear in dynamical systems, algebraic geometry, topology, and even celestial mechanics. The rise of computational geometry has resulted in renewed interest in multidimensional generalizations of continued fractions. Numerous classical theorems have been extended to the multidimensional case, casting light on phenomena in diverse areas of mathematics. This book introduces a new geometric vision of continued fractions. It covers several applications to questions related to such areas as Diophantine approximation, algebraic number theory, and toric geometry. The reader will find an overview of current progress in the geometric theory of multidimensional continued fractions accompanied by currently open problems. Whenever possible, we illustrate geometric constructions with figures and examples. Each chapter has exercises useful for undergraduate or graduate courses.

This book introduces a new geometric vision of continued fractions. It covers several applications to questions related to such areas as Diophantine approximation, algebraic number theory, and toric geometry. The second edition now includes a geometric approach to Gauss Reduction Theory, classification of integer regular polygons and some further new subjects. Traditionally a subject of number theory, continued fractions appear in dynamical systems, algebraic geometry, topology, and even celestial mechanics. The rise of computational geometry has resulted in renewed interest in multidimensional generalizations of continued fractions. Numerous classical theorems have been extended to the multidimensional case, casting light on phenomena in diverse areas of mathematics. The reader will find an overview of current progress in the geometric theory of multidimensional continued fractions accompanied by currently open problems. Whenever possible, we illustrate geometric constructions with figures and examples. Each chapter has exercises useful for undergraduate or graduate courses.

One of the most authoritative and comprehensive books on the subject of continued fractions, this monograph has been widely used by generations of mathematicians and their students. Dr. Hubert Stanley Wall presents a unified theory correlating certain parts and applications of the subject within a larger analytic structure. Prerequisites include a first course in function theory and knowledge of the elementary properties of linear transformations in the complex plane. Some background in number theory, real analysis, and complex analysis may also prove helpful. The two-part treatment begins with an exploration of convergence theory, addressing continued fractions as products of linear fractional transformations, convergence theorems, and the theory of positive definite continued fractions, as well as other topics. The second part, focusing on function theory, covers the theory of equations, matrix theory of continued fractions, bounded analytic functions, and many additional subjects.

This introductory text covers a variety of applications to interest every reader, from researchers to amateur mathematicians.

The history of continued fractions is certainly one of the longest among those of mathematical concepts, since it begins with Euclid's algorithm for the great est common divisor at least three centuries B.C. As it is often the case and like Monsieur Jourdain in Moliere's "Ie bourgeois gentilhomme" (who was speak ing in prose though he did not know he was doing so), continued fractions were used for many centuries before their real discovery. The history of continued fractions and Pade approximants is also quite im portant, since they played a leading role in the development of some branches of mathematics. For example, they were the basis for the proof of the tran scendence of 11' in 1882, an open problem for more than two thousand years, and also for our modern spectral theory of operators. Actually they still are of great interest in many fields of pure and applied mathematics and in numerical analysis, where they provide computer approximations to special functions and are connected to some convergence acceleration methods. Con tinued fractions are also used in number theory, computer science, automata, electronics, etc ...

The objective of this book is to provide tools for solving problems which involve cubic number fields. Many such problems can be considered geometrically; both in terms of the geometry of numbers and geometry of the associated cubic Diophantine equations that are similar in many ways to the Pell equation. With over 50 geometric diagrams, this book includes illustrations of many of these topics. The book may be thought of as a companion reference for those students of algebraic number theory who wish to find more examples, a collection of recent research results on cubic fields, an easy-to-understand source for learning about Voronoi’s unit algorithm and several classical results which are still relevant to the field, and a book which helps bridge a gap in understanding connections between algebraic geometry and number theory. The exposition includes numerous discussions on calculating with cubic fields including simple continued fractions of cubic irrational numbers, arithmetic using integer matrices, ideal class group computations, lattices over cubic fields, construction of cubic fields with a given discriminant, the search for elements of norm 1 of a cubic field with rational parametrization, and Voronoi's algorithm for finding a system of fundamental units. Throughout, the discussions are framed in terms of a binary cubic form that may be used to describe a given cubic field. This unifies the chapters of this book despite the diversity of their number theoretic topics.

Clear, detailed exposition that can be understood by readers with no background in advanced mathematics. More than 200 problems and full solutions, plus 100 numerical exercises. 1949 edition.

Elementary-level text by noted Soviet mathematician offers superb introduction to positive-integral elements of theory of continued fractions. Clear, straightforward presentation of the properties of the apparatus, the representation of numbers by continued fractions, and the measure theory of continued fractions. 1964 edition. Prefaces.

Mathematician Fritz Schweiger, whose academic affiliation is not provided, provides an introduction to a field of research that has seen remarkable progress in recent decades, concentrating on multidimensional continued fractions which can be described by fractional linear maps or equivalently by a set of (n + 1) x (n + 1) matrices. Addressing the question of periodicity, he refines the problem of convergence to the question of whether these algorithms give "good" simultaneous Diophantine approximations. He notes that these algorithms are not likely to provide such "good" approximations which satisfy the n-dimensional Dirichlet property. Also studied are the ergodic properties of these maps. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR

An engaging treatment of an 800-year-old problem explores the occurrence of Fibonacci numbers in number theory, continued fractions, and geometry. Its entertaining style will appeal to recreational readers and students alike.