This self-contained text presents state-of-the-art results on recurrent sequences and their applications in algebra, number theory, geometry of the complex plane and discrete mathematics. It is designed to appeal to a wide readership, ranging from scholars and academics, to undergraduate students, or advanced high school and college students training for competitions. The content of the book is very recent, and focuses on areas where significant research is currently taking place. Among the new approaches promoted in this book, the authors highlight the visualization of some recurrences in the complex plane, the concurrent use of algebraic, arithmetic, and trigonometric perspectives on classical number sequences, and links to many applications. It contains techniques which are fundamental in other areas of math and encourages further research on the topic. The introductory chapters only require good understanding of college algebra, complex numbers, analysis and basic combinatorics.For Chapters 3, 4 and 6 the prerequisites include number theory, linear algebra and complex analysis.
The first part of the book presents key theoretical elements required for a good understanding of the topic. The exposition moves on to to fundamental results and key examples of recurrences and their properties. The geometry of linear recurrences in the complex plane is presented in detail through numerous diagrams, which lead to often unexpected connections to combinatorics, number theory, integer sequences, and random number generation. The second part of the book presents a collection of 123 problems with full solutions, illustrating the wide range of topics where recurrent sequences can be found. This material is ideal for consolidating the theoretical knowledge and for preparing students for Olympiads.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
"What a delightful, current, compactly written book. This book could serve as a stand-alone text i) for an advanced, undergraduate, second-term, Discrete-Mathematics course, ii) for a first, or preferably, second-year stand-alone text for graduate students specializing in dynamical systems, combinatorics, or discrete systems, or iii) for researchers in these areas. . The book presents close to 200 references most of which are post-2000. Anyone wanting to read further will find what they need here." (Russel Jay Hendel, MAA Reviews, April 10, 2022)
"This book teaches numerous fundamental facts and techniques which are central in mathematics. It is both a research monograph and a delightful problem book, which I feel will spark the interest of a wide audience, from mathematics Olympiad competitors and their coaches to undergraduate or postgraduate students, or professional mathematicians with an interest in recurrences and their multiple applications." (Michael Th. Rassias, EMS Magazine, Issue 119, March, 2021)
