Product Description

A concise yet solid introduction to advanced numerical methods,
this textbook introduces several major numerical methods for solving various partial differential equations (PDEs) in science and engineering, including elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic equations. It covers traditional techniques that include the classic finite difference method and the finite element method as well as state-of-the-art numerical methods, such as the high-order compact difference method and the radial basis function meshless method.

Helps Students Better Understand Numerical Methods through Use of MATLAB^®
The authors uniquely emphasize both theoretical numerical analysis and practical implementation of the algorithms in MATLAB, making the book useful for students in computational science and engineering. They provide students with simple, clear implementations instead of sophisticated usages of MATLAB functions.

All the Material Needed for a Numerical Analysis Course
Based on the authors’ own courses, the text only requires some knowledge of computer programming, advanced calculus, and difference equations. It includes practical examples, exercises, references, and problems, along with a solutions manual for qualifying instructors. Readers can download MATLAB source code from crcpress.com, which will allow them to easily modify or improve the codes to solve their own problems.

Customer Reviews (2)

One of the best book on numerical analysis
I bought this book from Amazon.com for a graduate course in numerical solution of PDE. It comes with a CD that contain all MATLAB codes. This book is kind of middle of engneer and mathematician's perspective on numerical analysis. MATLAB codes runs great, exercise problems are also good to understand many difficult relavent concept. Overall, I think, this book is one the best numerical analysis book. Amazon did a little delay to deliver this book to me.

A valuale numerical PDE book
This book is one of the best written on the subject and is suitable for readers in a wide variety of fields, including mathematics, computational sciences and engineering. It is certainly well-suited for classroom use, and it includes many stand alone MATLAB source codes.

The book not only cover classic finite difference methods, but also finite element methods, and meshless methods. The book also include some advanced topics such as high-order compact difference methods, radial basis meshless methods and Maxwell's equaations in dispersive media.

I found those codes are very helpful for me to learn the algorithms (many books just talk the algorithms in the air), and I can even extend some codes in the book immediately for my research, since the authors kindly released their most recent work (such as compact scheme and meshless methods, which are currently quite active research areas) in the book.

Very useful!
... Read more

Product Description

What makes this book stand out from the competition is that it is more computational. Once done with both volumes, readers will have the tools to attack a wider variety of problems than those worked out in the competitors' books. The author stresses the use of technology throughout the text, allowing students to utilize it as much as possible.

Customer Reviews (2)

Good, practical book for FDM applied to PDE
This is a book that approximates the solution of parabolic, first order hyperbolic and systems of partial differential equations using standard finite difference schemes (FDM). The theory and practice of FDM is discussed in detail and numerous practical examples (heat equation, convection-diffusion) in one and two space variables are given. In particular, Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) methods are the standard means of solving PDE in 2 and 3 dimensions.
In almost all cases model problems are taken in order to show how the schemes work for initial value problems, initial boundary value problem with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions.
This book is a *must* for those in science, engineering and quantitative financial analysis. It digs into the nitty-gritty of mapping a PDE to a FDM scheme while taking nasty boundary conditions into consideration. The resulting algorithms are documented are are easily programmed in C++ or other language.
The book does not cover topics that are also important: operator splitting (Marchuk/Janenko), non-constant coefficient PDEs, nonlinearities. Finally, the book uses von Neumann analysis as a means of proving stability (getting a bit long in the tooth). There are more robust methods that use monotone schemes, M-matrices and the maximum principle. You should consult other specialised references.
This is Volume I of a two-volume set (Volume II deals with Conversation Laws and first-order hyperbolic as well as Elliptic problems.

(...)

Numerical Partial Differential Equations
Thomas wrote a good book on a quite specialized subject.Although finite difference schemes have been traditionally viewed as a game field for physicists, they are given today much more commercial attention asfinancial option market evolves.Those who seek standard numerical recipesare advised to read this book.You will enjoy it (easy reading) and learn. But the book may not satisfy quests of a more rigorous readership.Itabuses the Fourier method in stability analysis while considering only PDEswith constant coefficients.The bibliographical work has not been done atall.In addition, the cover does not state that this is the first book oftwo.I'd also advise to read G.Marchuk "Methods of NumericalMathematics" (Springer, 1982) where a more general approach for stabilityof numerical schemes is developed. ... Read more

Product Description
"Differential Equations with MATLAB" (2nd ed.) by B. Hunt, R. Lipsman, J.Osborn and J.Rosenberg is a supplemental text that can enrich and enhance any first course in ordinary differential equations. Designed to accompany Wiley's ODE texts written by Boyce/DiPrima, Borrelli/Coleman and Lomen/Lovelock, this supplement helps instructors move towards an earlier use of numerical and geometric methods, place a greater emphasis on systems (including nonlinear ones), and increase discussions of both the benefits and possible pitfalls in numerical solution of ODEs. By providing an introduction to the software that is integrated with the relevant mathematics, "Differential Equations with MATLAB" can perfectly complement and enhance these texts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good book for scientist and engineer
just read this book, and found it is a very good book.

it does not cotain many mathematical aspects of differential equations.but it is a very good introduction about how to solve
it in matlab. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed for those people who want to gain a practical knowledge of modern techniques, this book contains all the material necessary for a course on the numerical solution of differential equations. Written by two of the field's leading authorities, it provides a unified presentation of initial value and boundary value problems in ODEs as well as differential-algebraic equations. The approach is aimed at a thorough understanding of the issues and methods for practical computation while avoiding an extensive theorem-proof type of exposition. It also addresses reasons why existing software succeeds or fails. This is a practical and mathematically well informed introduction that emphasizes basic methods and theory, issues in the use and development of mathematical software, and examples from scientific engineering applications. Topics requiring an extensive amount of mathematical development are introduced, motivated, and included in the exercises, but a complete and rigorous mathematical presentation is referenced rather than included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Its a handbook for numerical solutions of ODE & DAE.
This book is excellent.The concepts about stiff, initial value problems, boundary value problems and differential-Algebraic equations (DAE) is treated with relative deep.

The numerical methods for many cases is covered.

The bad is that don't show the code.The code is in a web (NETLIB) and is writed in Fortran Language.

Is very expensive! ... Read more

Product Description

Making Everything Easier!

Differential Equations Workbook for Dummies

Make sense of these difficult equations

Improve your problem-solving skills

Practice with clear, concise examples

Score higher on standardized tests and exams

Steven Holzner, PhD

Author, Differential Equations For Dummies

Get the confidence and the skills you need to master differential equations!

Need to know how to solve differential equations? This easy-to-follow, hands-on workbook helps you master the basic concepts and work through the types of problems you'll encounter in your coursework. You get valuable exercises, problem-solving shortcuts, plenty of workspace, and step-by-step solutions to every equation. You'll also memorize the most-common types of differential equations, see how to avoid common mistakes, get tips and tricks for advanced problems, improve your exam scores, and much more!

The Dummies Workbook Way

Quick refresher explanations

Step-by-step procedures

Hands-on practice exercises

Ample workspace to work out problems

Tear-out Cheat Sheet

A dash of humor and fun

Go to Dummies.com®for videos, step-by-step photos, how-to articles, or to shop the store!

More than 100 problems!

Detailed, fully worked-out solutions to problems

The inside scoop on first, second, and higher order differential equations

A wealth of advanced techniques, including power series ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very nice format to learnor review differential equations
This workbook requires that you have a knowledge of basic trigonometry and calculus. The workbooks in this series are wonderful because they provide short summaries with example problems.There then follows multiple problems for each subject with detailed solutions. This is the sbsolute key for individuals trying to review this subject or learn it on their own. In comparison to the Schaum's 3000 solved problems there is much less theory and many of the problems are easier to solve. The Schaum's series is aimed more at college and graduate students. There are a few unfortunate mistakes in thesolved answers in this Dummies workbook which is slightly annoying. (That is why I took one star off) Does anyone know if the publisher has a website with the errata? If not I would suggest that the publisher should provide a website with corrections. For the money this book is a very good deal and Dr. Holzner should be congratulated. If you need to brush up on your linear algebra and eigenvectors there is a chapter on this subject. A longer workbook dedicated to linear algebra would be a nice addition to this series of workbooks. The series contains 2 algebra workbooks,geometry,trigonometry, calculus, and this differential equations books. There are also physics and quantum mechanics workbooks. I am presently working my way through the quantum mechanics text and workbook. It is nice to be able to review and learn these subjects at minimal cost. It would be nice if a web service was linked with these workbooks.It could be staffed by graduate students and postdocs who need a little extra income.

Review of Differential Equations Workbook For Dummies
The work book is fine, but it is keyed to the Differential Equations for Dummies book written by the same author.The exercises are generally of ordinary difficulty, and there are some topics that are not covered.The book doesn't touch on Green Functions, but unfortunately that is true of most American texts on ordinary differential equations. There should have been more variety displayed in the application of ordinary differential equations, especially in solving problems in dynamics, ciruit analysis, fluid dynamics and perhaps even for basic problems in astronomy. For me the real value of ordinary differential equations is in its use in unlocking solutions to all kinds of practical problems. But overall, this book is a good review and well worth having in your mathematics library.

Back to school
I am returning to college, after 30 plus years I lost my job, and have found this book (and the whole line of "For Dummies" technical books) an excellent refresher course. ... Read more

Product Description
Sixth edition (1928) of classic 19th-century work considered one of the finest treatments of the topic. Differential equations of the first order, general linear equations with constant coefficients, integration in series, hypergeometric series, solution by definite integrals, many other topics. Over 800 examples. Index.
... Read more

Product Description
A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications, 9th Edition strikes a balance between the analytical, qualitative, and quantitative approaches to the study of differential equations. This proven and accessible text speaks to beginning engineering and math students through a wealth of pedagogical aids, including an abundance of examples, explanations, "Remarks" boxes, definitions, and group projects. Using a straightforward, readable, and helpful style, this book provides a thorough treatment of boundary-value problems and partial differential equations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

I now regret taking the class because of this book.
This book only gives answers to 'selected' odd-numbered problems making it hard to check your work and make sure you know what you are doing. The solutions manual only works out about every third problem. Even then, they are not worked out well. Once again making it hard to check your work. I really regret buying this now.

Not the best book to learn from
This book really sucks, it may be concise and clear but it hardly shows examples.Most of the examples are cut off and instead of showing you how they derive the solution they just give it to you written in words.NOT THE BEST BOOK TO LEARN FROM

Cost effective!
The book for my Diffeq class was $150 in the school store. This is the exact same thing (with a different font and colors) for about $145 less. Every college student should know how to book-hunt like this. Came in great condition and has everything I need for class.

Too expensive with respect to size
I just wanted to mention that the ninth edition of this book has only about 400 pages (if you count the index, appendices as well) and that Amazon should update the information of this "new" edition. This fact makes the price of $140 (and it is usually cheaper on Amazon.com than elsewhere) even more insolent.

It either helps or it doesn't
When you look at the solutions, the explanations/processes are very limited.Its like having a math teacher who starts to perform steps inhis or her head and then you're left there trying to figure out what the teacher did.Some of the odds are not even that: sometimes, it would only give you a hint.

Most of the odd problems are worked out-as described above; however, sometimes it selectively omits odd problems. Sometimes- this was really annoying- it left out the one problem that was worked different from all the others. Once in a while, it did have an even problem worked out.

At the beginning of each section there is a study guide with formulas and overall suggestions for working problems in that section. I never really used this part of the solutions manual.

If I had the option to buy this book again, I wouldn't pay what I did pay for it.I paid 27 dollars, with shipping.I think its worth at most maybe 10 dollars, and that's being very generous. If you do decide to buy it, buy it with some friends who are also in your class so you can lessen the cost.

... Read more

Product Description
Symmetry methods have long been recognized to be of great importance for the study of the differential equations arising in mathematics, physics, engineering, and many other disciplines. The purpose of this book is to provide a solid introduction to those applications of Lie groups to differential equations that have proved to be useful in practice, including determination of symmetry groups, integration of ordinary differential equations, construction of group-invariant solutions to partial differential equations, symmetries and conservation laws, generalized symmetries, and symmetry methods in Hamiltonian systems. The computational methods are presented so that graduate students and researchers in other fields can readily learn to use them.

Following an exposition of the applications, the book develops the underlying theory. Many of the topics are presented in a novel way, with an emphasis on explicit examples and computations. Further examples, as well as new theoretical developments, appear in the exercises at the end of each chapter.

This second edition contains a new section on formal symmetries and the calculus of pseudodifferential operators, simpler proofs of some theorems, new exercises, and a substantially updated bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The kindle edition is riddled with typos
This book is excellent. Olver presents a vast amount of material in full detail, and does it in an accessible way. Unfortunately the Kindle edition has many typos which are not present in the original book. In one proof (proposition 3.37), several lines are cut out of the middle (mid-sentence) and pasted back at the end of the proof. If you are familiar with this book and the subject matter then you can make sense of things. Otherwise, I would advise you to get a hard copy.

Why I like this book
First, let me preface this by saying my review is based on the FIRST EDITION of the book. Also, I have not read the entire thing, but much of it.I had no idea what a Lie Group was before picking this book up and found it to be an excellent introduction to a very fascinating subject.

The autor gives a fairly rigorous explication of the fundamentals of manifolds and groups in the first chapter, skipping proofs of harder facts.He then spends the rest of the book focusing on how to find symmetry groups of differential equations and their interpretation.He goes through detailed calculations and provides many helpful examples, without which I would have no chance of understanding the book.He gives very readable and easily applicable formulas for prolongation of group actions and vector fields, and supplies the heavy-handed theorems relating subvarieties of the prolonged group actions to symmetry groups of the DE's.

Algebraists will find the book lacking in details and probably fairly myopic in scope.Applied people such as myself will find it indispensible as a resource for actual computation.The focus of the book is consistent with the original formulations by Lie and Noether and is still relevant and largely untaught in standard courses.Reading this book, I have learned some very helpful TECHNIQUES, and I suspect if that's what you're looking for this book will be a Godsend.

GOOD
Not proper for first contact with the subject ,but as bibliographical resource, this is a realy good one.

This book fulfils a great lack
Application of symmetries and Lie groups to differential equations (primarily PDE's) is a hot issue in contemporary Mathematics and Physics. Unfortunately, only few textbooks are available on this area.

The bookis one of the best attempts to put this topic into an ordered, easy tostudying form, despite of its being a rapidly developing and thus hard toteaching issue. It survived two editions, and I am sure this is not thelast.

I am also sure that anyone who is involved in the area, will needto read this book, or have already read it. ... Read more

Product Description
Identifies significant aspects of the theory and explores them with a limited amount of machinery from mathematical analysis. This book contains a chapter on Lewy's example of a linear equation without solutions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Review on Partial Differential Equations by Fritz John
I required this book for one of my post graduate course module studies. My professor is following this book. In my opinion, this contains the latest research findings and is one of the best books in this subject.

Very impressive
I'm very impressed by John's book on PDE's. Very complete, top down approach to the subject, while remaining lucid and concrete. It's the work of a master.

Excellent summary of the most important PDEs!
I studied this book from cover to cover, and I found its explanations lucid and complete.F. John's writing style makes excellent reading, and the details he supplies are complete enough that anyone with only abackground in undergraduate multivariable calculus can understand thearguments.Like any good mathematics textbook, this one leaves the readerto work out his/her own steps at some points, but Dr. John always makes itclear which elements areneeded.This book will always have a place onthe shelf in my office. ... Read more

Product Description

Differential geometry techniques have very useful and important applications in partial differential equations and quantum mechanics. This work presents a purely geometric treatment of problems in physics involving quantum harmonic oscillators, quartic oscillators, minimal surfaces, Schrödinger's, Einstein's and Newton's equations, and others. Historically, problems in these areas were approached using the Fourier transform or path integrals, although in some cases, e.g., the case of quartic oscillators, these methods do not work. New geometric methods, which have the advantage of providing quantitative or at least qualitative descriptions of operators, many of which cannot be treated by other methods, are introduced. And, conservation laws of the Euler--Lagrange equations are employed to solve the equations of motion qualitatively when quantitative analysis is not possible.

... Read more

Product Description
Elementary Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems integrates the underlying theory, the solution procedures, and the numerical/computational aspects of differential equations in a seamless way. For example, whenever a new type of problem is introduced (such as first-order equations, higher-order equations, systems of differential equations, etc.) the text begins with the basic existence-uniqueness theory. This provides the student the necessary framework to understand and solve differential equations. Theory is presented as simply as possible with an emphasis on how to use it. The Table of Contents is comprehensive and allows flexibility for instructors. ... Read more

Product Description
A graduate level text on a subject which brings together several areas of mathematics and physics: partial differential equations, differential geometry and general relativity. It explains the basics of the theory of partial differential equations in a form accessible to physicists and the basics of general relativity in a form accessible to mathematicians. In recent years the theory of partial differential equations has come to play an ever more important role in research on general relativity. This is partly due to the growth of the field of numerical relativity, stimulated in turn by work on gravitational wave detection, but also due to an increased interest in general relativity among pure mathematicians working in the areas of partial differential equations and Riemannian geometry, who have realized the exceptional richness of the interactions between geometry and analysis which arise. This book provides the background for those wishing to learn about these topics. It treats key themes in general relativity including matter models and symmetry classes and gives an introduction to relevant aspects of the most important classes of partial differential equations, including ordinary differential equations, and material on functional analysis. These elements are brought together to discuss a variety of important examples in the field of mathematical relativity, including asymptotically flat spacetimes, which are used to describe isolated systems, and spatially compact spacetimes, which are of importance in cosmology. ... Read more

Product Description

Delay Differential Equations: Recent Advances and New Directions cohesively presents contributions from leading experts on the theory and applications of functional and delay differential equations (DDEs).

Students and researchers will benefit from a unique focus on theory, symbolic, and numerical methods, which illustrate how the concepts described can be applied to practical systems ranging from automotive engines to remote control over the Internet. Comprehensive coverage of recent advances, analytical contributions, computational techniques, and illustrative examples of the application of current results drawn from biology, physics, mechanics, and control theory.

Students, engineers and researchers from various scientific fields will find Delay Differential Equations: Recent Advances and New Directions a valuable reference.

Product Description
In recent years the study of numerical methods for solving ordinary differential equations has seen many new developments. This second edition of the author's pioneering text is fully revised and updated to acknowledge many of these developments.  It includes a complete treatment of linear multistep methods whilst maintaining its unique and comprehensive emphasis on Runge-Kutta methods and general linear methods.

Although the specialist topics are taken to an advanced level, the entry point to the volume as a whole is not especially demanding.  Early chapters provide a wide-ranging introduction to differential equations and difference equations together with a survey of numerical differential equation methods, based on the fundamental Euler method with more sophisticated methods presented as generalizations of Euler.

Features of the book include

• Introductory work on differential and difference equations.
  
• A comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of solving ordinary differential equations numerically.
  
• A detailed analysis of Runge-Kutta methods and of linear multistep methods.
  
• A complete study of general linear methods from both theoretical and practical points of view.
  
• The latest results on practical general linear methods and their implementation.
  
• A balance between informal discussion and rigorous mathematical style.
  
• Examples and exercises integrated into each chapter enhancing the suitability of the book as a course text or a self-study treatise.

Written in a lucid style by one of the worlds leading authorities on numerical methods for ordinary differential equations and drawing upon his vast experience, this new edition provides an accessible and self-contained introduction, ideal for researchers and students following courses on numerical methods, engineering and other sciences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Definitive Reference for ODEs
An in-depth analysis from one of the best experts in the field of the latest developments in the numerical solution of ODEs with special emphasis on the Runge-Kutta methods, although Linear Multistep Methods and General Linear Methods are also thoroughly described.A must read for any researcher with interest on the numerical solution of initial value problems.

Useful, Practical, Fascinating Book by A Well-Known Authority and Teacher
This is the Second Edition of a classic work on solving differential equations numerically. The well-known author and teacher has published pathfinding papers on this topic from the early 1960's to the present. The "Butcher Tableau" is the standard short-hand display for Runge-Kutta methods.

The book sets the table by describing a set of standard problems for numerical solution. Then, as new methods are described their efficacy on the standard problems is graphed and tabulated.

Explicit and implicit Runge-Kutta Methods, Linear Multistep Methods, Taylor Series Methods and General Linear Methods are thoroughly described from the viewpoint of accuracy and stability. Symplectic Runge-Kutta methods, 'Almost' Runge-Kutta methods and Inverse Runge-Kutta Methods are among the additional covered topics of current interest.

Practical issues for the implementer of algorithms based on these methods, such as error estimation and step-size control, are well-covered. References to the topic's literature are also outstanding.

To use the book, a background in calculus and numerical analysis is essential.

Current topics in this field are well-represented. The author has taught many of the present class of researchers, and the clarity of a great teacher is apparent.

Web resources and problems at the end of each section enhance the book's value for a semester-long course. ... Read more

Product Description

This book is designed as an advanced undergraduate or a first-year graduate

course for students from various disciplines like applied mathematics,

physics, engineering.

The main purpose is on the one hand to train the students to appreciate the

interplay between theory and modelling in problems arising in the applied

sciences; on the other hand to give them a solid theoretical background for

numerical methods, such as finite elements.

Accordingly, this textbook is divided into two parts.

The first one has a rather elementary character with the goal of

developing and studying basic problems from the macro-areas of diffusion,

propagation and transport, waves and vibrations. Ideas and connections with

concrete aspects are emphasized whenever possible, in order to provide

intuition and feeling for the subject.

For this part, a knowledge of advanced calculus and ordinary differential

equations is required. Also, the repeated use of the method of separation of

variables assumes some basic results from the theory of Fourier series,

which are summarized in an appendix.

The main topic of the second part is the

development of Hilbert space methods for the variational formulation and

analysis of linear boundary and initial-boundary value problems\emph{. }%

Given the abstract nature of these chapters, an effort has been made to

provide intuition and motivation for the various concepts and results.

The understanding of these topics requires some basic knowledge of Lebesgue

measure and integration, summarized in another appendix.

At the end of each chapter, a number of exercises at different level of

complexity is included. The most demanding problems are supplied with

answers or hints.

The exposition if flexible enough to allow substantial changes without

compromising the comprehension and to facilitate a selection of topics for a

one or two semester course.

Customer Reviews (1)

a valuable new addition for students and Professionals
Sandro Salsa's book: "Partial Differential Equations in Action: From modelling to Theory" is true to it's title. It guides the reader
from the modeling stage to the theory, i.e. it is written from
the point of view of an applied mathematician who wishes
to understand the phenomenon that gives risethe PDE but who also
seeks to gain an analytical understanding of the PDE before proceeding
to it's numerical implementation. The book is written at a level
suitable for both an advanced undergraduate or first year graduate
school class at most American Institutions.
Salsa's light but incisive touch in writing about PDE's is reminiscent,
for those familiar with Gilbert Strang's books,
with Strang's way of entertaining while at the same
time challenging the reader. The book is unique
in many ways. For instance the use of Fourier series in treating
the diffusion equation is, in of itself standard, but Salsa's
use of the energy method to show that the Fourier series
solution is the unique solution is a nice illustration
of how the book alternates between the practical and
the more qualitative or technical aspects of the subject.
For students of mathematical finance and mathematical
biology, as well as for students of mathematical physics
the treatment of random walks and their relations to
Brownian motion and to the diffusion equation is the
best I've ever seen. For students of mathematical
finance there is a nice section on the Black-Scholes equation
and a use of the maximum principle to show that
call option prices are increasing with increasing
volatility. For studentin applied physics the
sections on the wave equation and on hyperbolic
problems are some of the best I've found available.

In later Chapters more advanced material introducing the
student to the use of Sobolev spaces in solving Elliptic
equations and evolution equations is carried out
in a highly efficient and very clear fashion.

In summary, I highly recommend this book.
Indeed, I think it is destined to become a classic. ... Read more

Product Description
Written from the perspective of the applied mathematician, the latest edition of this bestselling book focuses on the theory and practical applications of Differential Equations to engineering and the sciences. Emphasis is placed on the methods of solution, analysis, and approximation. Use of technology, illustrations, and problem sets help readers develop an intuitive understanding of the material. Historical footnotes trace the development of the discipline and identify outstanding individual contributions. This book builds the foundation for anyone who needs to learn differential equations and then progress to more advanced studies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

very useless book
As far as text books go this book is just awful. limited examples and very poor explanations. not that it really matters though because i doubt anybody would pay a $100 for this just to read it. It is a required textbook for a college class so ya dont really get a choice

simply perfect,,
great protective packaging and fast delivery, nothing wrong happened with my first book purchase online..

Made me really hate Differential Equations
This book sucks. Yeah, I'm being really blunt here, but this is probably the second most useless math textbook I've ever used (the first being "A Friendly Introduction to Number theory"). Now, my beef is primarily with the text itself (the problems, while mostly dull, are useful for learning and applying the techniques -- so they serve their purpose well), since the explanations are hard to follow, written with gratuitously dense language, and are very murky and unclear.

For example, this book makes understanding the techniques of variation of parameters and undetermined coefficients ridiculously painful to understand. And don't even get me started on the chapter on Laplace transforms -- I could barely understand a single thing there!

However, it's not all bad. *most* of the earlier chapters' contents are pretty good. Still, there are some murky bits and random theoretical topics addressed only half-heartedly, but for the most part, they're okay.

Also, as I said before, the problems in this book aren't bad! My professor usually assigned suggested problems from the text and doing them really helped me memorize the techniques that I learned from Paul's Online Notes...erm, I mean from the chapter!

So yeah, it's an average, run of the mill, hard-to-understand textbook. If you're required to use it for a class, make sure you pay attention and not skip class thinking that you can learn from the book! If you're looking for a book for self study...well, I guess you can use it for the problems, but for the actual material, don't bother with it, just use Paul's Online Notes or ask for help on math forums or something.

Very Good Differential Equations Book
I was a teaching assistant in a class that used this book. I liked the book a lot because it had very clear exposition. The methods to solve differential equations were clearly delineated and the exercises in the book served the class well.
I thought this book was very good. I particularly like how each chapter had a summary of the results. The summary helped me find the technique I was looking for faster and get a good appreciation of what was going on.

Great condition, came on time
The book was brand new as promised and arrived quickly. Everything went smoothly - no complaints. ... Read more

Product Description
The prerequisite for the study of this book is a knowledge of matrices and the essentials of functions of a complex variable. It has been developed from courses given by the authors and probably contains more material than will ordinarily be covered in a one-year course. It is hoped that the book will be a useful text in the application of differential equations as well as for the pure mathematician. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A reference book but no longer a text book.
I agree with the previous reviewers but the student new to the subject should also know that during the 55 years since it was published there have been breakthroughs in problems that resisted all previous efforts, such as stability of solutions of equations similar to those governing the solar system and proofs of ergodic (chaotic) behavior of certain systems. Numerical mathematics today is also very different from what it was when a million-dollar computer had 100K memory.The book is still a valuable work of reference but it is not suitable as a text book because most current research explores concepts and uses methods which were developed since it was written.

This is THE book
if you want to learn more about ODEs than just how to solve them. I took a course on ODEs in a german university more than 30 years ago and the prof chose Coddington and Levinson. It was tough but I am very thankful now! It is so different from all these new "ODEs for Dummies-type" books with colour pictures all over and matlab, mathematica, maple or whatever in the foreground.

Bible for Differential Equations
Dr Coddington's books are bible for differential equations. He knows material quite well, He is one of the famous person for differential equations. Try to understand his books from top to bottom, and no one can teach you differential equations. Other suggested bible books for reading: Introduction to Differential Equations, Linear Ordinary differential equations by Earl Coddington, Differential Equations by Fritz John, Ordinary Differential Equations by Ince, Differential Geometry Vol 1-5 by Michael Spivak.

A Comprehensive Text
The text is a standard reference on the theory of ordinary differential equations (it is not easy reading but comprehensive and accurate). Topics covered include: existence and uniqueness theorems for equations with various degrees of smoothness; dependence of solutions on parameters and initial conditions; singular equations; Sturm-Liouville theory (completeness of the eigenfunctions, convergence of eigenfunction expansions and asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues); asymptotic solutions; o.d.e's in the complex plane and much, much more.The text includes at the end of each chapter a collection of problems which extend the theory developed in the chapter and lead the reader to explore related areas. ... Read more

Product Description

The Sixth Edition of this acclaimed differential equations book remains the same classic volume it's always been, but has been polished and sharpened to serve readers even more effectively. Offers  precise and clear-cut statements of fundamental existence and uniqueness theorems to allow understanding of their role in this subject. Features a strong numerical approach that emphasizes that the effective and reliable use of numerical methods often requires preliminary analysis using standard elementary techniques. Inserts new graphics and text where needed for improved accessibility.A useful reference for readers who need to brush up on differential equations.

Customer Reviews (5)

Amazing book
I bought the 5th edition of this book for my Differential Equations course and I am extremely satisfied with it. This bookis clearly a great source for anyone interested in the subject. It has plenty of great examples in each chapter and it also includes many problems at the end of each section. Just make sure that you buy the book WITH "Boundary Value Problems" which includes two extra chapters: "Fourier Series Methods" and "Eigenvalues and Boundary Value Problems".

Broken spine
These textbook publishers must be making a fortune when they release a new version with the same material every year and charge over $100 for a book you HAVE to buy. The least they could do is make a quality product. Unfortunately, the spine on my copy is already broken and it's only a matter of time before pages will start falling out. I would recommend not buying this book, but it's not like you have much of a choice if you need it.

Helpful for math majors only
I've used this book during my differential class over the last semester.The problems in the book are carried out well and the back of the book has even and odd answers to help your understanding.For math majors, this book is great because it really wants you to "experience" the world of diff EQ, but for engineers or others taking it as a side class, it doesn't offer good examples for getting the job done.A good instructer can correct this though.As a book, 3 stars.

Very good
Fast and its just brand new, he never opened the books

Good book but a strong background on calculus required.
This book will tell you everything you need to learn on differentialequations.It covers thoroughly the methods for solving first and secondorder differential equations.The book also extends into Fouriertransforms.I used this book at MIT for the differential equations classand found it very useful. Within its contents, matlab exercises are presentand some simple projects which lets the student apply its knowledge. Theonly problem with the book is that it can be hard to read at certainpoints.Also the author assumes a strong background in calculus. ... Read more