Book
NIST Handbook of Mathematical Functions
by Frank W.J. Olver, Daniel W. Lozier, Ronald F. Boisvert, and Charles W. Clark
📖 Overview
The NIST Handbook of Mathematical Functions serves as a comprehensive reference guide for mathematical functions, containing definitions, formulas, graphs, and computational methods. This volume represents a major update to the classic 1964 Handbook of Mathematical Functions, incorporating modern computational techniques and current mathematical knowledge.
The handbook contains 36 chapters covering fundamental mathematical topics including exponential functions, logarithms, trigonometric functions, orthogonal polynomials, and special functions. Each chapter provides practical tools for scientists and engineers, with numerical tables, computational tips, and references to literature.
The print edition connects to the Digital Library of Mathematical Functions (DLMF), an online companion that expands the handbook's content with interactive features and regular updates. The integration of print and digital resources makes this work relevant for both traditional research methods and modern computational approaches.
This reference work stands as a bridge between pure mathematics and practical applications, maintaining mathematical rigor while focusing on the needs of working scientists and engineers. Its systematic organization and clear presentation reflect decades of accumulated knowledge in mathematical functions and their uses.
👀 Reviews
Readers consider this the modern successor to the 1964 Abramowitz & Stegun handbook, noting its updated mathematical formulas, graphs, and computational tools.
Likes:
- Clear organization and cross-referencing
- High-quality digital graphs and visualizations
- Comprehensive coverage of special functions
- Inclusion of numerical methods and computational aspects
- Free online version (DLMF) with interactive features
Dislikes:
- Print too small for some readers
- Paper quality could be better
- Some sections less detailed than Abramowitz & Stegun
- Price high for physical copy ($100+)
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.5/5 (22 ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (81 ratings)
Notable reader comment: "The online version complements the book perfectly. The physical copy serves as a reliable reference when I'm away from the computer, while DLMF provides interactive tools I need for deeper analysis." - Amazon reviewer
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🤔 Interesting facts
🔢 This comprehensive reference work updates and modernizes the classic 1964 "Abramowitz and Stegun" handbook, which was one of the most widely cited scientific works of the 20th century.
📚 The book was developed through a 10-year collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Cambridge University Press, involving over 50 subject matter experts.
🖥️ The publication comes with a companion website (DLMF.NIST.gov) featuring interactive tools, downloadable graphics, and additional mathematical content not included in the print version.
📊 The handbook contains over 8,000 equations and 900 graphics, covering 36 chapters of special functions and their applications in mathematics, physics, and engineering.
🎯 Lead author Frank W.J. Olver made significant contributions to numerical analysis and asymptotic methods, and the book notably includes his refined error bounds for various mathematical functions.