Perturbation Theory

Abstract

This article aims to explain essential elements of perturbation theory and their conceptual underpinnings. It is not meant as a summary of popular perturbation methods, though some illustrative examples are given to underline the main methodological insights and concerns. We also give brief explications of the mathematical notions of limit, continuity, differentiability, convergence, and divergence, which provide the necessary foundation.

arXiv comment1 figure; article to be published in the SAGE Encyclopedia