In computer programming, a **function** is a self-contained block of code that performs a specific task. Functions can take input in the form of parameters, execute a sequence of statements, and often return a result. They are a fundamental concept in programming and are used to organize code, promote reusability, and improve readability. Here are some key aspects of functions: 1. **Definition**: Functions are defined using a specific syntax that varies by programming language.
Modular design is an approach to product development and systems architecture that emphasizes the incorporation of interchangeable components or modules. Each module can be independently created, modified, or replaced while maintaining compatibility with other modules within the system. This design philosophy is prevalent across various fields, including software development, architecture, manufacturing, and consumer products. ### Key Features of Modular Design: 1. **Interchangeability**: Modules are designed to be easily swapped out or upgraded, allowing for customization and flexibility in design.
The term "difference" can refer to several concepts depending on the context. Here are a few common meanings: 1. **Mathematics**: In mathematics, the difference usually refers to the result of subtracting one number from another. For example, the difference between 8 and 3 is 5 (8 - 3 = 5). 2. **Comparative Analysis**: In a broader sense, difference can refer to the characteristics that distinguish one thing from another.
In philosophy, the term "difference" can refer to several concepts, depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few key interpretations: 1. **Ontological Difference**: In ontology, which is the study of being and existence, "difference" can refer to the distinction between entities, properties, or states of being. This understanding explores how entities differ from one another and what it means for something to be a particular kind of being.
In philosophy, "similarity" refers to the relationship between different entities or concepts that share certain characteristics or properties. This relationship plays a crucial role in various areas of philosophical inquiry, including metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. The concept of similarity can be examined from different perspectives: 1. **Metaphysical Similarity**: Philosophers often explore what it means for two objects or ideas to be similar.
Proof by contrapositive is a method of mathematical proof used to establish the truth of a conditional statement. A conditional statement is typically of the form "If \( P \), then \( Q \)", which can be written symbolically as \( P \implies Q \). The contrapositive of this statement is "If not \( Q \), then not \( P \)", symbolically expressed as \( \neg Q \implies \neg P \).
"Set Theory: An Introduction to Independence Proofs" typically refers to a specific area of study within mathematical set theory, focusing on the concepts of independence and proofs related to it. While I can't provide a specific book or text with that exact title, here's a general overview of what such a work might cover: 1. **Basic Set Theory**: The book would likely start with foundational concepts in set theory, including sets, subsets, the power set, relations, and functions.
Mathematics Magazine is a publication that focuses on a wide range of topics within mathematics, including both pure and applied mathematics. It is aimed at a diverse readership that includes mathematicians, educators, and students. The magazine typically features articles that explore mathematical concepts, emphasize problem-solving strategies, present mathematical history, and discuss educational practices in mathematics.
The Mathematics Educator is a peer-reviewed academic journal that focuses on research and practice in the field of mathematics education. It typically includes articles that cover various aspects of teaching and learning mathematics at different educational levels, from elementary to higher education. The journal aims to improve mathematics education by sharing empirical research, theoretical analyses, and practical insights that can inform teaching practices and curriculum development.
The "Annals of Statistics" is a prestigious journal in the field of statistics. It publishes research articles that cover various topics in theoretical and applied statistics. The editorial board of any academic journal, including the "Annals of Statistics," typically consists of experts in the field who oversee the peer review process, make decisions on manuscript submissions, and guide the journal's overall direction.
As of my last update in October 2023, The American Mathematical Monthly is a well-regarded journal published by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). It features articles on mathematics that are accessible to a broad audience, including undergraduates, teachers, and professional mathematicians. The editorial board typically consists of mathematicians and educators who are experts in various areas of mathematics.
**Measurement** is a scientific journal that focuses on the field of measurement science, encompassing various topics related to the methodologies, processes, and technologies used in measurement across different scientific disciplines. Published by Elsevier, the journal offers a platform for researchers to share their findings on both theoretical and practical aspects of measurement.
"Topics" is one of Aristotle's works in which he addresses the nature of dialectical reasoning and argumentation. In this text, Aristotle explores how to construct and evaluate arguments, focusing particularly on how to engage in reasoning about likely or probable conclusions rather than certain truths. The main purpose of "Topics" is to provide a systematic method for argumentation, particularly in the context of informal logic and debate.
Apostolos Doxiadis is a Greek writer, mathematician, and computer scientist, known for his work in various fields including mathematics, literature, and the philosophy of mathematics. He has made contributions to mathematics education and has written several books and articles that explore mathematical concepts through storytelling. Doxiadis is perhaps best known for his popularization of mathematics through the book "Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth," co-authored with Christos H. Papadimitriou.
The "Encyclopedia of the Brethren of Purity" refers to a significant philosophical and scientific work produced by a group known as the Brethren of Purity (Ikhwan al-Safa) in the 10th century in the Islamic world, particularly in the region that is modern-day Iraq. The Brethren of Purity were a secretive society of scholars and thinkers who aimed to promote knowledge and understanding across various fields, including philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, ethics, and theology.
The Uragan-2M is a type of multiple rocket launcher developed by Ukraine. It is a modernized version of the earlier Uragan (Hurricane) system, which was originally designed and produced during the Soviet era. The Uragan-2M system is capable of launching a variety of rockets and is designed for long-range artillery support.

Pinned article: Introduction to the OurBigBook Project

Welcome to the OurBigBook Project! Our goal is to create the perfect publishing platform for STEM subjects, and get university-level students to write the best free STEM tutorials ever.
Everyone is welcome to create an account and play with the site: ourbigbook.com/go/register. We belive that students themselves can write amazing tutorials, but teachers are welcome too. You can write about anything you want, it doesn't have to be STEM or even educational. Silly test content is very welcome and you won't be penalized in any way. Just keep it legal!
We have two killer features:
  1. topics: topics group articles by different users with the same title, e.g. here is the topic for the "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus" ourbigbook.com/go/topic/fundamental-theorem-of-calculus
    Articles of different users are sorted by upvote within each article page. This feature is a bit like:
    • a Wikipedia where each user can have their own version of each article
    • a Q&A website like Stack Overflow, where multiple people can give their views on a given topic, and the best ones are sorted by upvote. Except you don't need to wait for someone to ask first, and any topic goes, no matter how narrow or broad
    This feature makes it possible for readers to find better explanations of any topic created by other writers. And it allows writers to create an explanation in a place that readers might actually find it.
    Figure 1.
    Screenshot of the "Derivative" topic page
    . View it live at: ourbigbook.com/go/topic/derivative
  2. local editing: you can store all your personal knowledge base content locally in a plaintext markup format that can be edited locally and published either:
    This way you can be sure that even if OurBigBook.com were to go down one day (which we have no plans to do as it is quite cheap to host!), your content will still be perfectly readable as a static site.
    Figure 2.
    You can publish local OurBigBook lightweight markup files to either https://OurBigBook.com or as a static website
    .
    Figure 3.
    Visual Studio Code extension installation
    .
    Figure 4.
    Visual Studio Code extension tree navigation
    .
    Figure 5.
    Web editor
    . You can also edit articles on the Web editor without installing anything locally.
    Video 3.
    Edit locally and publish demo
    . Source. This shows editing OurBigBook Markup and publishing it using the Visual Studio Code extension.
    Video 4.
    OurBigBook Visual Studio Code extension editing and navigation demo
    . Source.
  3. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ourbigbook/ourbigbook-media/master/feature/x/hilbert-space-arrow.png
  4. Infinitely deep tables of contents:
    Figure 6.
    Dynamic article tree with infinitely deep table of contents
    .
    Descendant pages can also show up as toplevel e.g.: ourbigbook.com/cirosantilli/chordate-subclade
All our software is open source and hosted at: github.com/ourbigbook/ourbigbook
Further documentation can be found at: docs.ourbigbook.com
Feel free to reach our to us for any help or suggestions: docs.ourbigbook.com/#contact