This book arose out of original research on the extension of well-established applications of complex numbers related to Euclidean geometry and to the space-time symmetry of two-dimensional Special Relativity. The system of hyperbolic numbers is extensively studied, and a plain exposition of space-time geometry and trigonometry is given. Commutative hypercomplex systems with four unities are studied and attention is drawn to their interesting properties.

Zusammenfassung

Hyperbolic numbers are proposed for a rigorous geometric formalization of the space-time symmetry of two-dimensional Special Relativity. The system of hyperbolic numbers as a simple extension of the field of complex numbers is extensively studied in the book. In particular, an exhaustive solution of the "twin paradox" is given, followed by a detailed exposition of space-time geometry and trigonometry. Finally, an appendix on general properties of commutative hypercomplex systems with four unities is presented.

Inhalt
N-Dimensional Commutative Hypercomplex Numbers.- The Geometries Generated by Hypercomplex Numbers.- Trigonometry in the Minkowski Plane.- Uniform and Accelerated Motions in the Minkowski Space-Time (Twin Paradox).- General Two-Dimensional Hypercomplex Numbers.- Functions of a Hyperbolic Variable.- Hyperbolic Variables on Lorentz Surfaces.- Constant Curvature Lorentz Surfaces.- Generalization of Two-Dimensional Special Relativity (Hyperbolic Transformations and the Equivalence Principle).