Elementary Differential Equations

by David E. Penney and Charles Henry Edwards

Book Overview

This book gives readers the means to solve differential equations that enjoy the most frequent & interesting applications. It illustrates the standard elementary techniques of solving differential... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0130112909
• ISBN13: 9780130112903
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Length: 601 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

EXPENSIVE YET OUTSTANDING DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS BOOK

With the sixth edition of this textbook, Edwards and Penney have made significant strides with interesting examples and chapter problems that can challenge one not only from a mathematical standpoint but also from concepts regarding physics, fluid mechanics, population growth, radioactive decay, etc. As a teacher, I say that this is a very user-friendly book for an instructor who teaches differential equations as a three-hour college course. The introductory sections are a very good refresher for those who need to brush up on their calculus, especially in working with integrals and derivatives concerning natural logarithms. In each chapter, the range of the problems seems apt. Too often in so many publications are there relatively easy problems only to be followed immediately by exercises that are at an astronomical degree of difficulty for the student and many a professor. Perhaps the main weaknesses are underscored by the amount of self-discipline an undergraduate might need to read and understand the theory thus application of the topics if he or she is not receiving added guidance from a tutor or quality instructor. This is not entirely a self-explanatory reference, but differential equations is not exactly an introductory level course; and I believe that Edwards and Penney did assimilate a great set of examples and exercises such that even if the material is difficult to grasp, the challenges posed are so relevant to daily life that one who cares to become a specialist in the sciences will be prone to try overriding any difficulties to at least gain a better understanding of the physical phenomena surrounding him or her. As added kudos, with this volume, Edwards and Penney have helped me to gain a level of appreciation and joy in encountering engineering problems. Though it is pricey for its size, "Elementary Differential Equations" does provide adequate frames of reference without being bogged down with graphs or numerical tables that are not well displayed or explained. All in all, this is an excellent cross-training reference for those who want to enhance their mathematical skills while still developing their technical skills in engineering and various physical sciences.