What is Introduction: Definition and 789 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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. E

    What is the Correct Solution to 92x^3y divided by -28xy^3 in Algebra?

    Homework Statement 92x^3y divided by -28xy^3 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I got 23x^2 divided by -7y^2 book inverted the negative. What did I do wrong?
  2. J

    Introduction to Particle Physics: Solutions & Books

    I'm following An introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics. Are there any solutions to the problems? Is there a better book to follow? Would appreciate, tx. JP
  3. Greg Bernhardt

    Introduction to Computational Physics

    A complete set of lecture notes for an upper-division computational physics course. Topics covered include scientific programming in C, the numerical solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, particle-in-cell codes, and Montecarlo methods...
  4. Greg Bernhardt

    Introduction to Plasma Physics

    A complete set of lecture notes for a graduate plasma physics course. Topics covered include particle orbit theory, fluid theory, wave theory, MHD theory, and kinetic theory. by: Richard Fitzpatrick (University of Texas)
  5. S

    Introduction to the product rule

    Homework Statement a) How many bit strings are there of length 8? b) How many bit strings are there of length 8 which begins with 2 1's? Homework Equations Product Rule The Attempt at a Solution a) Since a bit string is either 0 or 1 there are two possibilities for each one...
  6. D

    Introduction to Thermodynamics - Two Basic Problems

    Homework Statement 1. A kettle holding 1 lt. of water is boiling. Assuming water is evaporating at a constant evaporation rate of 1g/min, determine how long it will take for the kettle to dry out. 2. Another kettle holding 1 lt. of water and 20g of salt is also boiling. Again water...
  7. B

    Susy introduction paper superspace

    Hello, I have read in a susy introduction paper that if we call Q the charge which links fermions and bosons, then we have the following anticommutation relation : {Q_a, Q_b} = 2 sigma_ab P where P is 4-momentum. So, is this relation only due to Coleman-Mandula theorem which force the...
  8. P

    What is a Basic Introductory Book on Tensor Calculus?

    What is a good book that introduces tensor notion clearly?
  9. E

    Arthur Mattuck, Introduction to Analysis, Problem 5-7

    This question is from Arthur Mattuck's "Introduction to Analysis", chapter 5, problem 5-7. Homework Statement Define a sequence recursively by a_{n+1}=\sqrt{2a_{n}}, a_{0}>0. (a) Prove that for any choice of a_{0}>0, the sequence is monotone and bounded. Homework Equations None...
  10. A

    Introduction Physics: Free Fall problem

    Homework Statement Divers in Acapulco, Mexico, leap from a point 36 m above the sea. What is their velocity when they enter the water? Homework Equations V^2=u^2+2as, probably wrong. The Attempt at a Solution s=36, u= 0, Find Final Velocity, a= -9.8 , I get some ridiculous...
  11. E

    Relatively basic introduction to what win32 is

    Could someone give me a relatively basic introduction to what win32 is or link me to a site that does the same? Thanks.
  12. Astronuc

    Nice introduction and overview of superalloys

    Here is a nice introduction and overview of superalloys. http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/phase-trans/2003/Superalloys/superalloys.html Nickel Based Superalloys H. K. D. H. Bhadeshia Lots of other pages at the bottom See also - http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/phase-trans/2003/nickel.html
  13. K

    Java Interested in Learning Java? Here's What You Need to Know to Get Started!

    Look am very interested by computer programming and now am learning The C++ language that's why i would like to ask anybody who can teach me java, just thank you
  14. B

    Computational Fluid Dynamics - Introduction

    Hi, hope this is the right area for this. I'm currently doing preliminary research for my computer science dissertation. I'm thinking of doing something in CFD...either representing the effects of wind on fur, or simulating a river flowing. Most CFD 'googles' have resulted in me finding...
  15. marcus

    Hellfire's introduction to quantum cosmology

    If you want an accessible overview of quantum cosmology try this TOC: https://www.physicsforums.com/blogs/hellfire-3727/category/interesting.html Hellfire covers different attempts made since the 1960s, and by comparing them (and showing historical development) makes the whole subject...
  16. H

    An introduction to signals and systems

    Hi everybody, I'm a freshman and i want to study signals and systems. so I'm seeking for a good introductory book. I've heard about the book "Signals and Systems" written by Oppenheim and Wilsky. So is Oppenheim's book suitable for a beginner? If you know a better introductory book...
  17. E

    Introduction to Quantum Field Theory in curved spacetime

    http://sites.google.com/site/winitzki/" a draft of an introductory textbook on quantum field theory in curved spacetime - free quantum fields in expanding universe, Unruh effect, Hawking radiation, also Casimir effect and some basic stuff on path integrals and effective action. The book is not...
  18. G

    Mathematica An exercise from the book A Mathematical Introduction to Logic

    Homework Statement you are in a land inhabinated by people who either always tell the truth or always tell falsehoods. You come to a fork in the road and you need to know which fork leads to the capital. There is a local resident there, but he has time only to reply to one yes-or-no...
  19. MathematicalPhysicist

    A few questions from introduction to sr by rindler.

    we have two inertial frames, S and S' where S' is moving with speed v along the x axis. here are a few questions about these frames: 1. if two events occur at the same point in some inertial frame S, prove that their temporal order is the same in all inertial frames, and that the least time...
  20. L

    Looking for introduction on QND: quantum non-demolition measurements

    I just read a news on physicsweb: http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/11/3/9" This is called a "quantum non-demolition (QND) measurement on single photons". I would like to know a little bit more about QNDs. Why they are called so. What is special about these QND experiments, or maybe...
  21. T

    Online introduction to topology.

    Are there any good online introductions to topology?
  22. Pyrrhus

    An Introduction to Retaining Walls Design.

    Note: This article will assume the reader is familiar with the concepts of statics and soil mechanics (mainly the topics of shear strength in soils and effective pressure). 1.1 Introduction Retaining Walls A wall designed with the purpose of keeping a level difference of the soil on its...
  23. W

    Good introduction to linear algebra?

    I have several books on linear algebra but they all bore me to death. What I find annoying is that they all focus on giving tons of definitions on the opening chapters only to elaborate on the relevance of those definitions later. What I am looking for is the opposite; a text that gives the...
  24. Astronuc

    Introduction to Materials and Properties

    This is a very nice summary of Materials and their Properties and Characteristics http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Materials/cc_mat_index.htm
  25. V

    Introduction to Engineering Electromagnetics

    Hey, It seems as though there are many books on electromagnetism out there, but most that I look at have mixed reviews. Before spending money on a book, would you happen to have any reccomendations on a solid introductory textbook on electromagnetics? Thanks
  26. K

    Natural Numbers and Induction (Analysis with and Introduction to ProofC)

    Homework Statement Prove that: 1^3 + 2^3 + ... + n^3 = (1 + 2 + ... + n)^2 for all n where n is a natural number Homework Equations Proof by induction: a) p(1) is true b) assume p(k) is true then prove p(k+1) for it The Attempt at a Solution I gave this a try for a while but...
  27. daniel_i_l

    Exploring Black Holes: Introduction to General Relativity

    what do you think about the book: Exploring Black Holes: Introduction to General Relativity by Wheeler? Do you think i should buy it? Thanks.
  28. K

    A bit introduction to foliation in GR and some question.

    If we have Einstein-Hilbert Lagrangian so: \mathcal L = (-g)^{1/2}R for R Ricci scalar (¿?) then my question perhaps mentioned before is if we can split the metric into: g_{ab}= Ndt^{2}+g_{ij} dx^{i} dx^{j} N=N(t) 'lapse function' then i would like to know if somehow you can split...
  29. M

    's Introduction to Elementary Physics

    I am just starting in elementry Physics and so in fear of asking an over simplified Question Can some one break down the common Law's of Physic's relating to natural occurances such as Motion/Electricity/Vortex's and any other relitive information you may deem esential. Mark
  30. radou

    An introduction to the analysis of statically indeterminate systems

    It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the basic concepts of structural analysis. Further on, I am aware of the possible inconsistencies and errors in this writing, and hereby invite all who have comments and objections to contribute and help to make this small tutorial useful for...
  31. H

    Introduction to Calculus?

    I'm searching for a book that will introduce me to Calculus with practice problems that have some application to Physics (I would prefer this). I think I may have found a good book (I'm not sure if it has the Physics application but oh well). It is called Calculus Made Easy, and it's apparently...
  32. P

    Best second introduction to Mehanics?

    For a first introduction, I remember a lot of you suggested An introduction to mechanics [by] Daniel Kleppner [and] Robert J. Kolenkow. But what about a second introduction with Lagrangian and Hamiltonians? I think I have heard of books like that by Goldstein and Ayra but they don't have answer...
  33. P

    Introduction to Critical Thinking?

    Can anyone recommend some good 'introduction to critical thinking' books?
  34. K

    LQG lazyman introduction

    MNy questions about the QG are vast..i have some math knowledge about GR and only a bit about Regge calculus and Canonical Quantization... 1) if we have the Hamiltonian constraint \bold H =0 then you must have energies (eigenvalues) are all zero¡¡¡ then how does LQG overcome this apparent...
  35. W

    Exploring the Period of Oscillations: A Quiz Question

    Homework Statement Now assume that the x coordinate of point R is 0.12m and the t coordinate of point K is 0.0050 s. What is the period T ? Homework Equations T = 1/f where f is the frequency and T is the period. The Attempt at a Solution From the graph, there are 2...
  36. A

    Mathematica Introduction to General Relativity: A Math and Physics Perspective

    I think most students develop their mathematical background up to classical tensors before digging into the physics of general relativity. I think this approach is good, but once this "Introduction to General Relativity" is finished, then the student should refine his mathematical background...
  37. Hootenanny

    Introduction / Summary of Differentiation

    As the title suggests this thread is intended as a summary of differentiation, it is by no means an attempt at an exhaustive discussion of the topic. A detailed knowledge of limits is not required but is useful, it is assumed that the reader has some knowledge of limits and how to implement...
  38. D

    Introduction and theory on electropolishing

    I urgently need some information like introduction and theory on electropolishing for my project. I have tried searching through the internet but to no avail. Does anyone by chance have some useful links that might aid me? Any help is greatly appreciated.
  39. E

    Introduction to Physics for High School Student

    Hello. Currently, I'm a Sophomore in High School, and I'm about to finish Chemistry 1 Honors Research, and I'm going to start Biology 2 AP in the fall. In Chemistry, there were a few introductions to physics, mainly thermodynamics, nuclear physics, and quantum physics, with their ties to...
  40. Astronuc

    Exploring Nuclear Properties: An Introduction

    Introduction to Nuclear Properties http://www.phys.jyu.fi/research/gamma/publications/ptgthesis/node1.html
  41. Hootenanny

    An Introduction to pH and Buffer Solutions Calculations

    An Introduction to pH and Buffer Solutions Calculations [work in progress] This is a work in progress 1. pH and Strong Acids pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution; pH = - log10[H+(aq)]. (From this point forward 'log' will represent log to the...
  42. H

    Introduction to Quantum Computation

    Nice lectures describing the theory of Quantum Computation. I'm currently watching them. http://www.quiprocone.org/Protected/DD_lectures.htm
  43. D

    Courant & John's Introduction to Calculus and Analysis

    Does anyone know how many chapters Courant & John's "Introduction to Calculus and Analysis, Volume II" has? Because I've found a 4 chapter reprint, and was wondering if I should get it.
  44. Z

    Ring Theory: Introduction and Beyond

    I'm searching for some online text concerning an introduction and somewhat more advanced topics in ring theory. ps:if you come across on notes for Model theory it would be great too,thx.
  45. Astronuc

    Plasma Physics: A Comprehensive Introduction

    Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_Physics And other references - A nice introduction, including history, to Plasma Physics http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/plasma/lectures/lectures.html and more sites on Plamsa Physics, which include applications in...
  46. I

    Annie's Struggle in Astronomy Class: A Freshman's Plea for Help

    Hi! My name is Annie and I am a freshman at UW-Whitewater. I am currently in the introduction to astronomy class. In high school, I took physics and loved it. I even got the 2nd highest grade in the class! This is even more telling when you know that it was a predominantly senior class and...
  47. O

    Introduction to Fourier Integral

    I have a homework question asking to construct an orthonormal system from the three functions: 1, x, 3x^2 - 1, I know we can approach it using linear algebra method, but as this is a calculus course, I don't think that's what my prof wants us to use. Can anyone guide me through this? Thanks a bunch!
  48. JasonRox

    Introduction to Differential Geometry

    So, where do I begin? I have a current interests in going into Algebraic Topology and I am currently learning about Point-Set Topology and Abstract Algebra, which are pre-requisites to Algebraic Topology. After talking to a professor, he recommended learning some Differential Geometry, but...
  49. B

    Introduction books/interesting thesis ideas on string theory

    Hi string group, I'm a new member. In a few months I'll have completed my final exams and can finally start to write my diploma thesis (german diploma) in theoretical physics and mathematics. Naturally I'm a novice in the subject, having only very superficial basic knowledge from a...
Back
Top