| Description |
The term fractal, unlike most mathematical terms, does not have a precise mathematical definition. Benoit Mandelbrot in [4] originally coined the term in a precise manner, but it has undergone something of an evolution since then. Most of the definitions do have in common the concept of non-integral dimension or self similarity, one notable exception being Barnsley in [1]. Many writers settle on 'the' simple intuitive definition, and say a fractal is an object that has non-integral dimension - whatever that is. Fractals do not differ from much of the rest of mathematics in that the best way to get a feel for them is to look at a few examples. Each of the examples will have characteristics that we will explore in greater generality later. More examples of fractals along the lines of those presented here can be found in [3]. |
