A Readable Introduction to Real Mathematics

Analysis (sometimes called Real Analysis or Advanced Calculus) is a core subject in most undergraduate mathematics degrees. It is elegant, clever and rewarding to learn, but it is hard. Even the best students find it challenging, and those who are unprepared often find it incomprehensible at first.

The imaginary unit i = √-1 has been used by mathematicians for nearly five-hundred years, during which time its physical meaning has been a constant challenge. Unfortunately, René Descartes referred to it as “imaginary”, and the use of the term “complex number” compounded the unnecessary mystery associated with this amazing object. Today, i = √-1 has found its way into virtually every branch of mathematics, and is widely employed in physics and science, from solving problems in electrical engineering to quantum field theory.

This is the first volume of a two-volume textbook 1 which evolved from a course (Mathematics 160) offered at the California Institute of Technology during the last 25 years. It provides an introduction to analytic number theory suitable for undergraduates with some background in advanced calculus, but with no previous knowledge of number theory. Actually, a great deal of the book requires no calculus at all and could profitably be studied by sophisticated high school students.

Modern developments of Random Matrix Theory as well as pedagogical approaches to the standard core of the discipline are surprisingly hard to find in a well-organized, readable and user-friendly fashion. This slim and agile book, written in a pedagogical and hands-on style, without sacrificing formal rigor fills this gap. It brings Ph.D. students in Physics, as well as more senior practitioners, through the standard tools and results on random matrices, with an eye on most recent developments that are not usually covered in introductory texts.