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'''Introduction'''<br /> | '''Introduction'''<br /> | ||
− | Euler's Number, written as <math>e</math>, is one of the most important constants in all of mathematics. Its value is approximately 2.718 | + | Euler's Number, written as <math>e</math>, is one of the most important constants in all of mathematics. Its value is approximately 2.718; however, it is an irrational number, so its exact decimal representation is infinite. |
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+ | This essential constant comes from Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) (5). | ||
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+ | Jacob Bernoulli originally discovered an approximation for the constant in 1683 while doing work related to compounding interest. Although, it was not until Leonhard Euler studied the number in 1731 that the constant was written with the symbol <math>e</math> that is so widely used today. Since then, the number has played important roles in a number of fields including but not limited to: finance, calculus, engineering, and physics. | ||
[[Category:MA279Fall2018Walther]] | [[Category:MA279Fall2018Walther]] |
Revision as of 21:19, 2 December 2018
Introduction
Euler's Number, written as $ e $, is one of the most important constants in all of mathematics. Its value is approximately 2.718; however, it is an irrational number, so its exact decimal representation is infinite.
This essential constant comes from Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) (5).
Jacob Bernoulli originally discovered an approximation for the constant in 1683 while doing work related to compounding interest. Although, it was not until Leonhard Euler studied the number in 1731 that the constant was written with the symbol $ e $ that is so widely used today. Since then, the number has played important roles in a number of fields including but not limited to: finance, calculus, engineering, and physics.