This text was originally written for a "Capstone" course at Michigan State University. Basic wavelet theory seems to be a perfect topic for such a course. It is on the boundary between mathematics and engineering. Students can see non-trivial mathematics ideas leading to natural and important applications, such as video compression and the numerical solution of differential equations. The only prerequisites assumed are a basic linear algebra background and a bit of analysis background. This text is intended to be as elementary an introduction to wavelet theory as possible. It is not intended as a thorough or authoritative reference on wavelet theory.

Prologue: Compression of the FBI Fingerprint Files.- Background: Complex Numbers and Linear Algebra.- The Discrete Fourier Transform.- Wavelets on ZN.- Wavelets on Z.- Wavelets on R.- Wavelets and Differential Equations.

Mathematics majors at Michigan State University take a "Capstone" course near the end of their undergraduate careers. The content of this course varies with each offering. Its purpose is to bring together different topics from the undergraduate curriculum and introduce students to a developing area in mathematics. This text was originally written for a Capstone course. Basicwavelettheoryisanaturaltopicforsuchacourse. Byname, wavelets date back only to the 1980s. On the boundary between mathematics and engineering, wavelet theory shows students that mathematics research is still thriving, with important applications in areas such as image compression and the numerical solution of differential equations. The author believes that the essentials of wavelet theory are suf?ciently elementary to be taught successfully to advanced undergraduates. This text is intended for undergraduates, so only a basic background in linear algebra and analysis is assumed. We do not require familiarity with complex numbers and the roots of unity. These are introduced in the ?rst two sections of chapter 1. In the remainder of chapter 1 we review linear algebra. Students should be familiar with the basic de?nitions in sections 1. 3 and 1. 4. From our viewpoint, linear transformations are the primary object of study; v Preface vi a matrix arises as a realization of a linear transformation. Many students may have been exposed to the material on change of basis in section 1. 4, but may bene?t from seeing it again. In section 1.