Euler's Number

Introduction

Euler's Number, e is an irrational constant which is approximately 2.718281828 (10 sig.fig). The discovery of the constant itself is credited to Jacob Bernoulli in 1683 but the symbol e was first used by Leonhard Euler in a letter to Goldbach in 1731.

The diagram on the right shows the 2 standard ways to derive the constant.

Try It!

Use the applet below to approximate the value of Euler's Constant.

Low Probability High Frequency Events

Use the applet below to study the probability of continuously losing low probability but high frequency events. An example of a low probability, high frequency event in real life could be 'getting cancer when your cells divide'. The chance is very low for each cell division but your cells are replicating all the time!

The Mathematics of Toilets, Dating and hiring secretaries