Form Symmetries and Reduction of Order in Difference Equations presents a new approach to the formulation and analysis of difference equations in which the underlying space is typically an algebraic group. In some problems and applications, an additional algebraic or topological structure is assumed in order to define equations and obtain significant results about them. Reflecting the author's past research experience, the majority of examples involve equations in finite dimensional Euclidean spaces. The book first introduces difference equations on groups, building a foundation for later chapters and illustrating the wide variety of possible formulations and interpretations of difference equations that occur in concrete contexts. The author then proposes a systematic method of decomposition for recursive difference equations that uses a semiconjugate relation between maps. Focusing on large classes of difference equations, he shows how to find the semiconjugate relations and accompanying factorizations of two difference equations with strictly lower orders. The final chapter goes beyond semiconjugacy by extending the fundamental ideas based on form symmetries to nonrecursive difference equations. With numerous examples and exercises, this book is an ideal introduction to an exciting new domain in the area of difference equations. It takes a fresh and all-inclusive look at difference equations and develops a systematic procedure for examining how these equations are constructed and solved.

Form Symmetries and Reduction of Order in Difference Equations presents a new approach to the formulation and analysis of difference equations in which the underlying space is typically an algebraic group. In some problems and applications, an additional algebraic or topological structure is assumed in order to define equations and obtain significant results about them. Reflecting the author s past research experience, the majority of examples involve equations in finite dimensional Euclidean spaces.

The book first introduces difference equations on groups, building a foundation for later chapters and illustrating the wide variety of possible formulations and interpretations of difference equations that occur in concrete contexts. The author then proposes a systematic method of decomposition for recursive difference equations that uses a semiconjugate relation between maps. Focusing on large classes of difference equations, he shows how to find the semiconjugate relations and accompanying factorizations of two difference equations with strictly lower orders. The final chapter goes beyond semiconjugacy by extending the fundamental ideas based on form symmetries to nonrecursive difference equations.

With numerous examples and exercises, this book is an ideal introduction to an exciting new domain in the area of difference equations. It takes a fresh and all-inclusive look at difference equations and develops a systematic procedure for examining how these equations are constructed and solved.

Real Analysis and Infinity presents the essential topics for a first course in real analysis with an emphasis on the role of infinity in all of the fundamental concepts. After introducing sequences of numbers, it develops the set of real numbers in terms of Cauchy sequences of rational numbers, and uses this development to derive the important properties of real numbers like completeness. The book then develops the concepts of continuity, derivative, and integral, and presents the theory of infinite sequences and series of functions. Topics discussed are wide-ranging and include the convergence of sequences, definition of limits and continuity via converging sequences, and the development of derivative. The proofs of the vast majority of theorems are presented and pedagogical considerations are given priority to help cement the reader's knowledge. Preliminary discussion of each major topic is supplemented with examples and diagrams, and historical asides. Examples follow most major results to improve comprehension, and exercises at the end of each chapter help with the refinement of proof and calculation skills.