O número de Euler: uma breve abordagem histórica, construções e aplicações

Abstract

One of the most important mathematical constants, Euler’s number, denoted by the letter e, is a transcendental and irrational number. It is a very versatile number and has wide applicability in mathematical models, especially those related to the representation of natural and evolutionary phenomena, such as the study of characteristics of population growth or decrease and of diseases. Considering this, the present work is based on a bibliographic study, with the objective of presenting the historical facts that involve the emergence of the Euler’s number, demonstrating it’s construction from sequences and series of real numbers, as well as presenting examples of applications in models mathematicians related to the study of epidemic processes. The results show the importance of this mathematical constant in the modeling of epidemic processes. In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s use has helped in understanding the initial behavior of the disease, in formulating predictions about it’s evolution and dissemination. Therefore, it is emphasized that knowledge about the e number at different levels of education can contribute significantly to the teaching and learning of Mathematics.