Paul A. Smith

This Palgrave Pivot reviews the history of the UK's Retail Prices Index (RPI) from its origins just after the Second World War to its controversial position today. Both the developments in the methodology of the index and the political and social context in which its development took place are closely examined. The authors explain how the RPI went from being the dominant measure of inflation for decades to its current position as an officially discredited index. Despite this status, it is still widely used and attracts much support from a range of stakeholders, including several areas of government. Important reading for anyone interested in both sides of the argument for and against RPI and the likely way forward for the measurement of inflation.

This Palgrave Pivot reviews the history of the UK's Retail Prices Index (RPI) from its origins just after the Second World War to its controversial position today. Both the developments in the methodology of the index and the political and social context in which its development took place are closely examined. The authors explain how the RPI went from being the dominant measure of inflation for decades to its current position as an officially discredited index. Despite this status, it is still widely used and attracts much support from a range of stakeholders, including several areas of government. Important reading for anyone interested in both sides of the argument for and against RPI and the likely way forward for the measurement of inflation.

This book is an introduction to the history of – and current measurement practice of – inflation for the United Kingdom. The authors describe the historical development of inflation measures in a global context, and do so without using formal mathematical language and related jargon that relates only to a few specialist scholars. Although inflation is a widely used and quoted statistic, and despite the important role inflation plays in real people’s lives – through pension uprating, train tickets, interest rates and the work of economists – few people understand how it is created. O’Neill, Ralph and Smith mix historical data with a description of practices inside the UK statistical system and abroad, which will aid understanding of how this important economic statistic is produced, and the important and controversial choices that statisticians have made over time.

Linear Algebra and Projective Geometry: Pure and Applied Mathematics, Volume 2, written by Reinhold Baer, is a comprehensive textbook that explores the relationship between linear algebra and projective geometry. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on linear algebra and the second part focusing on projective geometry. In the first part, the author covers topics such as vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors. The author also discusses the theory of matrices, including matrix algebra, matrix inverses, and the computation of determinants. Additionally, the author provides numerous examples and exercises to help readers solidify their understanding of linear algebra concepts.The second part of the book delves into projective geometry, which is the study of geometric properties that are invariant under projection. The author discusses topics such as projective spaces, projective transformations, duality, and conics. The author also explores the relationship between projective geometry and linear algebra, demonstrating how linear algebra can be used to solve problems in projective geometry.Overall, Linear Algebra and Projective Geometry: Pure and Applied Mathematics, Volume 2 is a valuable resource for students and researchers in mathematics, physics, and engineering. The book provides a thorough treatment of both linear algebra and projective geometry, with numerous examples and exercises to help readers develop a deep understanding of these important topics.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.