What is Introduction: Definition and 801 Discussions

In an essay, article, or book, an introduction (also known as a prolegomenon) is a beginning section which states the purpose and goals of the following writing. This is generally followed by the body and conclusion.
The introduction typically describes the scope of the document and gives the brief explanation or summary of the document. It may also explain certain elements that are important to the essay if explanations are not part of the main text. The readers can have an idea about the following text before they actually start reading it.
ln technical writing, the introduction typically includes one or more standard subsections: abstract or summary, preface, acknowledgments, and foreword. Alternatively, the section labeled introduction itself may be a brief section found side-by-side with abstract, foreword, etc. (rather than containing them). In this case the set of sections that come before the body of the book are known as the front matter. When the book is divided into numbered chapters, by convention the introduction and any other front-matter sections are unnumbered and precede chapter 1.
Keeping the concept of the introduction the same, different documents have different styles to introduce the written text. For example, the introduction of a Functional Specification consists of information that the whole document is yet to explain. If a Userguide is written, the introduction is about the product. In a report, the introduction gives a summary about the report contents.

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  1. S

    Introduction to Pigeonhole Principle

    Homework Statement Give a sample problem its solution employing Pigeonhole Principle Homework Equations Pigeonhole Principle The Attempt at a Solution We have this homework about pigeonhole principle which hasn't been discussed yet, but we need to present an example and present it...
  2. The Chaz

    LaTeX What is a brief overview of LaTeX?

    Here are a few: http://codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php (WYSIWYG) http://tobi.oetiker.ch/lshort/lshort.pdf (PDF) ftp://ftp.ams.org/ams/doc/amsmath/short-math-guide.pdf (FTP)
  3. P

    Introduction to Vector calculations (Calculus 3)

    Homework Statement Find nonzero scalars a, b, c, such that au+b(u-v)+c(u+v)=0 for every pair of vectors u and v This isn't a homework question, more of a conceptual exercise, but I want to understand it thoroughly.The Attempt at a Solution I've gone to u(a+b+c) + v(c-b)=0 then I couldn't quite...
  4. X

    Should I buy Introduction to Electrodynamics (3rd Edition) (Paperback)?

    Should I buy this book for a good price now even though I won't be taking a junior year E@M class till two years from now. I'm asking because I could use Griffiths now as a good reference book. But because it's paper back idk if it will last for two more years. This semester I'm taking an E@M...
  5. lonewolf219

    Calculus 3 introduction to cross product

    Just learning about vectors in 3 dimensions. Would it be correct to think of the cross product vector like a resultant vector? Is it similar to the displacement? If so, why is it always 90 degrees from both original vectors? If anyone has some deeper insight into any of these vector topics...
  6. Rob D

    My introduction and a question on my intended

    I'd like to introduce myself and ask a pedagogical question regarding my future studies. My name is Rob Dorsey and I am a 64 year old, disabled and retired airline pilot living in a southern suburb of Cincinnati. I have a degree in music with an engineering minor from a small regional university...
  7. W

    What is the Best Book to Learn Topology for General Relativity?

    Hello i studied Sadri Hassani az mathematical physics book. if i want to learn topology (( for general relativity )) what it the best book for introduction ?
  8. N

    Pedagogical introduction to N=2 SUSY

    Hi, Could you pls advise me any textbooks or papers where I can find pedagogical introduction to N=2 Supersymmetry & familiarize myself... Thank you very much Best Regards
  9. N

    Rigorous introduction to electromagnetism

    I'm looking for a good introductory text on electromagnetism for someone who has very little experience with physics but is comfortable with multivariate and vector calculus and ODE's. I'd prefer something that starts from the basics and works up in a rigorous fashion. Note that I am proficient...
  10. C

    Introduction to Optics (by Fowler) any good?

    Hello, I have recently been looking into purchasing this book. I know it’s only ten dollars, but money is money, and if some of you pleasant people have any experience with this book I’d appreciate any feedback (of the book). Thank you and have a Merry X-mas. :-p
  11. F

    Introduction to electrodynamics - help with a dipole problem

    Homework Statement Let the dipole \vec{m} = m\hat{k} be at the origin, and call a certain horizontal axis the y axis. a) On the z axis, what is the angle between the z axis and the magnetic field? b) On the y axis, what is the angle between the z axis and the magnetic field? c) On the cone...
  12. S

    An introduction to basic electronics and electric systems

    Hey all, was wondering if someone knows of a book (if it's on safari books online, even better!), website or other source that teaches me -- a software guy -- the basics of electronics. Basically I want to know about voltages, generators, capacitors and everything in-between. Wanna have my...
  13. C

    Medical Cognitive science introduction

    hey! are there any good books or online lectures for an intro to Cog science? Is this a good one?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262691752/?tag=pfamazon01-20 I'm not interested in popularizations, first year academic material would be great Thanks!
  14. R

    Introduction to Proofs: One-to-One and Onto Problem

    1. Given: Let f: X → Y be a function. Then we have an associated function f-1: P(Y) → P(X), where f-1 (B)⊂X is the inverse image of B⊂Y. Question: Show that f^(-1) is one-to-one if and only if f is onto. [Notes: ⊂ represents subspace, I just couldn’t find a way to put the line under the...
  15. I

    Introduction to Proofs texts/resources?

    Homework Statement My intro to Proofs class uses How to Prove It, 2nd edition by Velleman. I would like a couple other references on introduction to proofs. What do you recommend? I don't mind spending hours agonizing over proofs, but I'd like to be able to check my work with answers...
  16. D

    Introduction to Work, do I have the right concept?

    I'm just learning work in my physics class and, for some reason, I'm having difficulty understanding it. The problem in my homework assignment asks: A particle moves 5 m in the positive x direction while being acted upon by a constant force F = <4,2,-4>.The work done on the particle by this...
  17. A

    Principles of Quantum Mechanics - mathematical introduction

    I'm going through the book: Principles of Quantum Mechanics 2nd edition by R. Shankar 1. In the mathematical introduction to projection operators (page 22), it writes: "Consider the expansion of an arbitrary ket |V\rangle in a basis: |V\rangle=\sum_{i}^{} |i\rangle\langle i|V\rangle"...
  18. M

    Introduction to hydrodymanics?

    Hello World I can't introduce the concepts of hydrodynamics into my mind,such as the streamline. I can't imagine what is a streamline? What makes us say that the flow is turblant or the flow is steady? --------- "the direction of the tangent drawn at any point on the streamline represents...
  19. T

    Literature Request: Introduction to d-wave superconductivity

    I'm looking for a pedagogic introduction to d-wave superconductivity on the level of field theory. Ideally, this would involve a derivation of d-wave superconductivity and the form of the gap parameter from some fundamental Hamiltonian (if such a derivation is even possible yet). Books and...
  20. M

    Introduction to systematic design

    Homework Statement I'm asked to design a small engineering component/part/machine of your choice.I need an idea of what to design or a starting point Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  21. P

    Introduction to Optics: Find the Best Book & Online Resources

    Hello What is the better book on introduction of optics? if you have on online please give me the link regards
  22. P

    What Are the Best Conceptual Resources for Understanding Quantum Field Theory?

    I am looking for books or papers that explain conceptual ideas that underlie the study of quantum fields. I am looking for something that clearly explains Field measurement. Most textbooks i am aware of emphasize on the development of formal techniques of Quantum field theory.
  23. G

    Calculus 2 - Introduction to Differential Equations

    Homework Statement One model for the spread of rumor is that the rate of spread is proportional to the product of the fraction y of the population who have heard the rumor and the fraction who have not heard the rumor. i) Write a differential equation that is satisfied by y ii) Solve the...
  24. A

    Question 1.7 Griffiths Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd Edition)

    Calculate d<p>/dt Answer: d<p>/dt = <-dV/dx> generally speaking (I believe) you need to use scrodinger's equation (both of dphi/dt and dphi*/dt) and the expectation value of momentum: <p> = -i*h_bar * integral (phi* * dphi/dx) dx. I would say that the way I used Cramster was just short of...
  25. M

    Introduction to Mainfolds Help

    I am taking a class on Manifolds and whilst reading the book I came about some terminology that has got me confused. What is the differences/relations between these terms? Euclidian Space Topological Space Metric Space Vector Space I thought that a vector space was based on the...
  26. S

    Any gentle introduction of Fibonacci chain?

    Hi, I have been searching the internet for some gentle introductions of Fibonacci chain, but so far I haven't found anything. I wonder if anyone can recommend some good introductions to me, e.g. a book, an article... Thank you.
  27. M

    Introduction essay to Parabolic Motion

    Hi, sorry in advance if this isn't the right section but I'm not too sure where else to post this Homework Statement The essay requires me to type up an introduction that has a word count of roughly 700-1000 words. I have chosen to do an experiment on parabolic trajectory and thus have to...
  28. A

    Healpix Introduction. Any examples available?

    Hi I have a project that involves the use of Healpix. I am familiar with IDL, so I would like to use HEALpix through IDL routines. My problem is that I cannot find a starting point. I have data from both Galex and IRAS. I got the IRAS data from http://lambda.gsfc.nasa.gov (Lambda...
  29. E

    Park's Introduction to Quantum Theory (Thoughts? I'm not a fan but I'm still reading)

    I own a copy of Griffith's Quantum Mechanics and I like how it is written very much but while skimming through Griffith's Particle book I saw a reference that said "at the level of Park" and I decided to investigate. I started to read through it and the text is structured the way most books...
  30. H

    Learn Python for Physics: Introduction vs Scientific Programming

    Is it better to start learning Python using a introduction to python book (Think Python) or a scientific programming book (e.g. A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python, 2009)? I have little to no programming experience. I'd use python solely for physics computation/simulations. I was...
  31. F

    Modern Physics Introduction Photon Energy and Wavelength

    Homework Statement Suppose that a beam of light consists of photons having an energy of 5.4 eV. what is the wavelength of the light? Homework Equations hc = 1240 eV*nm E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} The Attempt at a Solution 5.4eV = \frac{1240eV*nm}{\lambda} \lambda =...
  32. F

    Modern Physics Introduction Standing Wavelength and Frequency

    Homework Statement Find the length of the smallest standing wave that can be formed with light having a frequency of 600THZ. Homework Equations f = 600*10^{12}Hz c = 2.998x10^{8}\frac{m}{s} \lambda f=c The Attempt at a Solution \lambda f=c \lambda...
  33. F

    Modern Physics Introduction Question on Electron Speed and Momentum

    Homework Statement Suppose that an electron has a kinetic energy of 1.0 eV. What are the speed and the momentum of the electron? The book is Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Morrison. If anyone knows where to get any of the answers(or solutions. solutions may be harder to...
  34. I

    Exploring the Effectiveness of Proof Books for Students New to Abstract Algebra

    Has anyone read How to Prove It: A Structured Approach by Daniel Velleman or Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Algebra and Number Systems by Gilbert and Vanstone? If so, how well do they prepare a student who has had no exposure to proofs to take classes such as abstract algebra? Thanks...
  35. thrill3rnit3

    Medical Neuroscience for Beginners: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Nervous System

    Hello everyone. I don't know if this is the right place for this thread, but I am looking for an introductory neuroscience text for beginners. Thanks.
  36. A

    Medical An Introduction to Neurotransmitters

    I need to give a presentation on the basics concepts of the Neurotransmitters. Now, a lot of stuff is available on the net and I can easily get it all from there. But I am thinking about doing something different, I am thinking about to introduce the neurotransmitter from a different...
  37. R

    Need book suggestion: Introduction to Hilbert Spaces

    Our last course on Mathematical Physics covers topology, topological spaces, metric spaces; differential forms; introduction to group theory including finite and continuous groups, group representations, and Lie groups. The textbook to be used is Math methods by Arfken and Intro to Hilbert...
  38. N

    Introduction to Abstract Algebra

    I was wondering if anyone could give me any links or an introduction to abstract algebra. I know that abstract algebra is a tough concept to understand (at least for some people, but it varies from person to person). If anyone could help with the basics of it would be greatly appreciated.
  39. J

    An Introduction to Magnetic Attraction?

    Sorry to start yet another thread on the basics of magnetism, but I'm missing something... Glancing through an introductory college physics textbook, the three chapters on magnetism are missing something ...and it is the one thing that every normal person thinks of when they here the word...
  40. K

    Find an orthogonal quantum state: introduction to dirac notation.

    Homework Statement Suppose we have a spin 1/2 Particle in a prepared state: \left|\Psi\right\rangle = \alpha \left|\uparrow\right\rangle + \beta\left|\downarrow\right\rangle where \left|\uparrow\right\rangle \left|\downarrow\right\rangle are orthonormal staes representing spin up and...
  41. R

    Introduction and Questions about Asteroid Belt/Jovians

    Good evening, everyone. My name is Steve, I'm 37 and from a small town called Fort Dodge in Iowa (USA). I have no formal education in Astronomy, but have always loved the topic since I was a child (most likely due to having a cousin who was an engineer for NASA who would send me photos and...
  42. S

    In need of an introduction to Energy Transformation Equations

    I am doing a physics course, and I while reading the textbooks, it seems the writers assume that I am already introduced to energy transformation equations. I have never done them previously as I have skipped some courses to get to the one I am in. It seems that thsi is a very basic concept...
  43. homology

    Introduction to order parameter fields

    Hi folks, I'm taking a class in statistical mechanics out of Sethna's text. Part of the course involves student presentations. I've settled on his chapter on order parameters, broken symmetry and topology. Its a relatively short chapter and I'd like to read some more. I'm looking for...
  44. M

    Introduction to quantum mechanics

    I'm having a course about introduction to quantum mechanics and I am having a lot of problems understanding the derivation of the Rayleigh-Jeans Law which was an attempt to explain the black body radiantion expectrum with classical arguments. My main problem is: they assumed that matter was...
  45. D

    Introduction to Power Engineering/Analog circuits Book

    I am looking for a good introductory text that will walk me through the theory and design of power supplies and regulators. I am really looking to understand things like buck converters and linear regulators. I've looked around wikipedia and while the material is helpful I'd like something that...
  46. S

    An Introduction to Hilbert Space: Physically Explained

    I'm in Quantum 1, and the professor briefly mentioned Hilbert Space. I'm having a difficult time finding a non-technical description of what Hilbert Space is. Could someone give me a brief description of what it is physically, rather than mathematically?
  47. Andy Resnick

    Insights Digital Camera Buyer's Guide Introduction - Comments

    Andy Resnick submitted a new PF Insights post Digital Camera Buyer's Guide Introduction Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  48. O

    Looking for M-, F-Theory introduction

    Hello! I'm looking for some introductory articles on M- and F-Theory. Can anyone help me? I'm looking for articles with deep (compleet) mathematical treatment. Thx, O
  49. B

    Introduction to Topology Resources

    Currently in my course in topology we have covered the point-set portion of the Munkres text, and the professor has moved into some additional material in which munkres has no resources, mainly the classification of surfaces. The professor let me borrow his resource for a while, but I was...
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