Description

This introduction to ordinary differential and difference equations is suited not only for mathematicians but for scientists and engineers as well. Exact solutions methods and qualitative approaches are covered, and many illustrative examples are included.

This refreshing, introductory textbook covers both standard techniques for solving ordinary differential equations, as well as introducing students to qualitative methods such as phase-plane analysis. The presentation is concise, informal yet rigorous; it can be used either for 1-term or 1-semester courses.

Topics such as Euler’s method, difference equations, the dynamics of the logistic map, and the Lorenz equations, demonstrate the vitality of the subject, and provide pointers to further study. The author also encourages a graphical approach to the equations and their solutions, and to that end the book is profusely illustrated.

Matlab is used to generate graphical representations of solutions. The files to produce the figures using MATLAB are all provided in an accompanying file. Numerous worked examples provide motivation for and illustration of key ideas and show how to make the transition from theory to practice.