Kumiko Nishioka facts for kids

Kumiko Nishioka (born in 1954) is a brilliant Japanese mathematician. She teaches at Keio University in Japan. She is known for her deep studies into special kinds of numbers called transcendental numbers.

Kumiko Nishioka: A Math Explorer

What Does a Mathematician Do?

Mathematicians like Kumiko Nishioka are like detectives for numbers and patterns. They use logic and creativity to solve complex problems. They discover new ideas that help us understand the world around us. This can range from how computers work to how planets move.

Unlocking Transcendental Numbers

Kumiko Nishioka specializes in transcendental numbers. These are numbers that are not "algebraic." An algebraic number is one that can be the solution to a simple equation. For example, the number 2 is algebraic because it's the solution to `x - 2 = 0`. Transcendental numbers are much more complex. Famous examples include Pi (π) and Euler's number (e). Kumiko Nishioka studies these special numbers.

Exploring Mahler Functions

She is also famous for her work on something called Mahler functions. These are special mathematical functions that help mathematicians understand how numbers behave. They are named after Kurt Mahler, another important mathematician. Kumiko Nishioka has done a lot to expand our knowledge of these functions.

Her Important Book

In 1996, Kumiko Nishioka wrote a very important book. It was called Mahler Functions and Transcendence. This book was the first of its kind. It explained everything about Mahler functions and how they relate to transcendental numbers. She took Mahler's original ideas and made them even bigger and more general. This book became a key resource for other mathematicians.

A Family of Mathematicians

Kumiko Nishioka's husband, Keiji Nishioka, is also a mathematician. They share a love for numbers and solving math puzzles. In fact, they have even worked together and written some math papers! It's pretty cool to have a whole family dedicated to exploring the world of mathematics.