In mathematics, we discuss "Transcendental Functions." Trigonometric functions are transcendental. We are now exploring exponential and logarithmic functions which are also transcendental. Why? How? What does this have to do with the use of the word, "Transcendental" in English literature?
Google defines a Transcendental function as a function that cannot be expressed in algebraic terms. This raises the question how do you define a function like this? To get a better understanding of these functions, an example that we used everyday in class last semester were the trigonometric functions and their inverses. There are also transcendental numbers. We also have extensive use with two use these numbers, pi and e. These numbers and functions help us understand more complex concepts and functions and allow us to work with them easily.
As for literature, the Transcendentalism is the belief that knowledge could be arrived at not just through the senses, but through intuition and contemplation of the internal spirit. This is similar to functions of this manner because a function of this sort cannot be constructed in a certain amount of steps from the elementary functions(trigonometric).
And to end, just a funny joke I found online about Transcendental functions:
Q: Why didn't the mathematicians use their teeth?
A: They wanted to transcend dental functions.
