Python for Mathematics

Python for Mathematics introduces readers to effective methods for doing mathematics using the Python programming language. Most programming texts introduce readers to the building blocks of programming and build up to using more sophisticated tools for a specific purpose, like doing particular mathematical tasks. This is akin to teaching someone how to forge metal so as to make a nail, and then slowly working up to using sophisticated power tools so as to actually build something. This book does things in a different way, by first getting readers to begin using and understanding the tools that are going to be helpful to them as mathematicians, and only then moving onto the granular details. In this way, the practical application of the tools can aid in the understanding of the theory. Features · Complete with engaging, practical exercises · Many useful and detailed coding examples · Suitable for undergraduates in mathematics, and other quantitative sciences · Empowers readers to design and create their own Python tools.

Vincent Knight is a Professor of Mathematics at Cardiff University in the School of Mathematics. His research interests are in emergent behaviour, probabilistic modelling, applications in healthcare and pedagogy. He maintains a number of open-source research software projects, has been a trustee of the UK Python association, is an editor for the Journal of Open-Source Software, was awarded the 2017 John Pinner award for contribution to the Python community and is a fellow of the Sustainable Software Institute. He regularly wins awards for his teaching at the School of Mathematics. He does not only speak at conferences around the world but continues to organise conferences to bring the power of open-source software to as many people as possible.

Preface Section 1 OVERVIEW Chapter 1 Introduction Section 2 TOOLS FOR MATHEMATICS Chapter 2 Using notebooks Chapter 3 Algebra Chapter 4 Calculus Chapter 5 Matrices Chapter 6 Combinatorics Chapter 7 Probability Chapter 8 Sequences Section 3 BUILDING TOOLS Chapter 11 Variables, conditionals and loops Chapter 12 Functions and data structures Chapter 13 Object oriented programming Chapter 14 Using a command line and an editor Chapter 15 Modularisation Chapter 16 Documentation Chapter 17 Testing Section 4 About this Book Bibliography Index Chapter 18 How this book is written