Tag: mathematics

The Mathematics Genealogy Project

The intent of this project is to compile information about ALL the mathematicians of the world. We earnestly solicit information from all schools who participate in the development of research level mathematics and from all individuals who may know desired information.
Please notice: Throughout this project when we use the word “mathematics” or “mathematician” we mean that word in a very inclusive sense. Thus, all relevant data from statistics, computer science, or operations research is welcome.

You can trace lineages as far back as Euler.

Fractal Imaging

What is fractal imaging? Well, it’s more than just the algorithmic generation of ferns (like the generated image above) from non-linear equation systems. It’s a way of looking at ordinary (bitmap) images of all kinds. The hypothesis is that any given image (of any kind) is the end-result of iterating on some particular (unknown) system of non-linear equations, and that if one only knew what those equations are, one could regenerate the image algorithmically (from a set of equations) on demand. The implications are far-reaching. This means:
1. Instead of storing a bitmap of the image, you can just store the equations from which it can be generated. (This is often a 100-to-1 storage reduction.)
2. The image is now scale-free. That is, you can generate it at any scale — enlarge it as much as you wish — without losing fidelity. (Imagine being able to blow up an image onscreen without it becoming all blocky and pixelated.)

— Kas Thomas
Here is the book, Fractal Imaging, referenced by the article.

HtDP Teaches More Than Programming

…you won’t believe it but by reaching part VI, you have mastered a significant chunk of mathematics that you would have never considered within reach had I told you at the outset of your studies that you’d understand rudimentary concepts from “higher” algebra (advanced college material).

— Matthias Felleisen
(via PLT)