Analysis is a branch of mathematics as old as Pythagoras, whose followers in ancient Greece studied the makeup of musical tones. Its concepts are in use today when the microprocessor in a synthesizer is used to recreate the sound of a trumpet.
Analysis involves the creation of mathematical models of physical objects or systems.
One of the branches of higher mathematics, it is a required subject for math majors and secondary math education majors. But Alvarez said both math majors and secondary education majors would benefit if the introductory course were reorganized to show analysis's historical development. She plans to use part of the money that goes with the Manasse chair to buy equipment for collecting data on temperature, light intensity, voltage and motion to demonstrate in the classroom the physics and math problems that led to the formation of its theories. Alvarez will also use part of the money provided by the Manasse chair to further her own research. The Manasse Professorship was made possible by an endowment from the estate of Solle P. and Margaret Manasse.