Applied Differential Equations The Primary Course Textbooks in Mathematics Series

A Contemporary Approach to Teaching Differential Equations

Applied Differential Equations: An Introduction presents a contemporary treatment of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and an introduction to partial differential equations (PDEs), including their applications in engineering and the sciences. Designed for a two-semester undergraduate course, the text offers a true alternative to books published for past generations of students. It enables students majoring in a range of fields to obtain a solid foundation in differential equations.

The text covers traditional material, along with novel approaches to mathematical modeling that harness the capabilities of numerical algorithms and popular computer software packages. It contains practical techniques for solving the equations as well as corresponding codes for numerical solvers. Many examples and exercises help students master effective solution techniques, including reliable numerical approximations.

This book describes differential equations in the context of applications and presents the main techniques needed for modeling and systems analysis. It teaches students how to formulate a mathematical model, solve differential equations analytically and numerically, analyze them qualitatively, and interpret the results.

First-Order Equations. Applications of First Order ODE. Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Methods. Second-order Equations. Laplace Transforms. Series of Solutions. Applications of Higher Order Differential Equations. Appendix: Software Packages. Answers to Problems. Bibliography. Index.

Vladimir A. Dobrushkin is an associate of Brown University.