In mathematics, the ε-covering number of a metric space (X, d), for some ε > 0, is the minimum number of balls of radius that are needed to cover X.
A related concept is the ε-packing number which is defined as the maximum number of disjoint balls of radius ε that fit into X.
Famous quotes containing the words covering and/or number:
“Three forms I see on stretchers lying, brought out there untended
lying,
Over each the blanket spread, ample brownish woolen blanket,
Gray and heavy blanket, folding, covering all.”
—Walt Whitman (1819–1892)
“I heartily wish you, in the plain home-spun style, a great number of happy new years, well employed in forming both your mind and your manners, to be useful and agreeable to yourself, your country, and your friends.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)