Minkowski's Question Mark Function
In mathematics, the Minkowski question mark function (or the slippery devil's staircase), denoted by ?(x), is a function possessing various unusual fractal properties, defined by Hermann Minkowski in 1904. It maps quadratic irrationals to rational numbers on the unit interval, via an expression relating the continued fraction expansions of the quadratics to the binary expansions of the rationals, given by Arnaud Denjoy in 1938. In addition, it maps rational numbers to dyadic rationals, as can be seen by a recursive definition closely related to the Stern–Brocot tree.
Read more about Minkowski's Question Mark Function: Definition, Intuitive Explanation, Recursive Definition For Rational Arguments, Self-symmetry, Properties of ?(x), Conway Box Function, Historical References
Famous quotes containing the words question, mark and/or function:
“The question of armaments, whether on land or sea, is the most immediately and intensely practical question connected with the future fortunes of nations and of mankind.”
—Woodrow Wilson (18561924)
“The mark of our time is its revulsion against imposed patterns.”
—Marshall McLuhan (19111980)
“Any translation which intends to perform a transmitting function cannot transmit anything but informationhence, something inessential. This is the hallmark of bad translations.”
—Walter Benjamin (18921940)