Commons Math is a library of lightweight, self-contained mathematics and statistics components addressing the most common problems not available in the Java programming language or Commons Lang.

Guiding principles:

1. Real-world application use cases will determine development priority.
2. This package will emphasize small, easily integrated components rather than large libraries with complex dependencies and configurations.
3. All algorithms will be fully documented and follow generally accepted best practices.
4. In situations where multiple standard algorithms exist, a Strategy pattern will be used to support multiple implementations.
5. Limited dependencies. No external dependencies beyond Commons components and the core Java 2 platform.