No label defined (Q4486754)

The book contains 13 chapters (859 pages), appendices, answers to odd-number problems, an index, a brief table of integrals, a table for undetermined coefficients for \(L[y](x)=g(x)\) and a table of Laplace transforms. Fundamentals of differential equations and boundary value problems are designed to serve the needs of a one- or two-semester course in basic theory and applications of differential equations. The preface contains innovations for this edition, prerequisites, sample syllabi and retained features. Some sections describe how qualitative information can be gleaned about the solution to intractable autonomous equations by considering their direction fields and critical points. The motivation for Chapter 4 on linear differential equations is provided in a new introductory section describing the mass-spring oscillator. Five new group projects have been introduced at the need of chapters. The chapter on matrix methods for linear systems (Chapter 9) has been expanded with two introductory sections. In Chapter 8, the reader is initiated in the theory of power series solutions with an exposition of Taylor polynomial approximation to solutions. For instructors' convenience, some of the basic ``skills-building'' exercises have been modified and a selection of more challenging exercises has been added. As an useful companion to the text, students and instructors are provided with access to a specially designed Website that not only includes helpful links keyed to the sections of the text, but provides an utility for solving the numerical problems. Most of the material is modular in nature to allow for various course configurations. The availability of computer package such as MATHCAD, MATHEMATICA, MATHLAB and MAPLE provides an opportunity for the student to conduct numerical experiments. At the end of each chapter there are group projects relating to the material covered in the chapter. The chapters begin with a discussion of a problem from different domains, from physics to engineering. All of the main chapters contain a set of major concepts presented. Most of the figures in the text were generated via computer. The theory of linear differential equations is studied in a gradual manner. Several numerical methods for approximating solutions to differential equations are introduced along with program outlines that are easily implemented on a computer. A great number of the exercises is graduated in difficulty. In the text are included problems and projects that require the use of a calculator or computer. In Chapter 7 are treated Laplace transforms since this is a recurring topic for engineers. Chapter 8 is consacrated to power series. An introduction for solving differential equations using power series and the method of Frobenius can be accomplished by covering the material in the sections 8.1., 8.2., 8.3. and 8.6. Chapter 10 contains partial differential equations (the method of separation of variables, Fourier series, the heat equation, the wave equation, and Laplace equation). In Chapter 11 are presented eigenvalue problems and Sturm-Liouville equations. Chapter 12 is consacrated to stability of autonomous systems and Chapter 13 treats existence and uniqueness theory. The book is presented in an accessible form for the reader.