Mathematical constant

A mathematical constant is a quantity, usually a real number or a complex number, that arises naturally in mathematics and does not change. Unlike physical constants, mathematical constants are defined independently of any physical measurement.

Related Topics:
Real number - Complex number - Mathematics - Physical constants

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

For example, up to multiplication with nonzero complex numbers, there is a unique holomorphic function f with f' = f. Therefore, f(1)/f(0) is a mathematical constant, the constant e.

Related Topics:
Holomorphic function - E

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

f is also a periodic function, and the absolute value of its period is another mathematical constant, 2π.

Related Topics:
Periodic function - Absolute value

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mathematical constants are typically elements of the field of real numbers or complex numbers. Mathematical constants that one can talk about are definable numbers (and almost always also computable).

Related Topics:
Field - Real number - Complex number - Definable number - Computable

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

However, there are still some mathematical constants for which only very rough estimates are known.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An alternate sorting may be found at Mathematical constant (sorted by continued fraction representation)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~