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Elementary Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems, 2nd edition

Published by Pearson (March 24, 2011) © 2006

  • Werner E. Kohler Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Lee W. Johnson Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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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.

  • Emphasis on linear equations. Linear and nonlinear equations (first order and higher order) are treated in separate chapters.
  • Mathematical modeling. Most students studying differential equations are preparing for careers in the physical or life sciences. In developing models, this text guides the student carefully through the underlying physical principles leading to the relevant mathematics.
  • Critical thinking. Emphasis on the importance of common sense, intuition, and “back-of-the-envelope” checks to help the student ask: “Does my answer make sense?”
  • Interpretation of results. Many of the examples and exercises ask the student to anticipate and interpret the physical content of the solution.
  • Reference in later courses. Provides students in science and engineering with a useful reference for their later coursework.
  • Interactive Differential Equations. A special version of this visualization software is now available on the Web. It is mapped specifically to the organization of this text.

Table of Contents

  1. INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
    • 1.1 Examples of Differential Equations
    • 1.2 Direction Fields
  2. FIRST ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
    • 2.1 Introduction
    • 2.2 First Order Linear Differential Equations
    • 2.3 Introduction to Mathematical Models
    • 2.4 Population Dynamics and Radioactive Decay
    • 2.5 First Order Nonlinear Differential Equations
    • 2.6 Separable First Order Equations
    • 2.7 Exact Differential Equations
    • 2.8 The Logistic Population Model
    • 2.9 Applications to Mechanics
    • 2.10 Euler’s Method
    • 2.11 Review Exercises
  3. SECOND AND HIGHER ORDER LINEAR DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
    • 3.1 Introduction
    • 3.2 The General Solution of Homogeneous Equations
    • 3.3 Constant Coefficient Homogeneous Equations
    • 3.4 Real Repeated Roots; Reduction of Order
    • 3.5 Complex Roots
    • 3.6 Unforced Mechanical Vibrations
    • 3.7 The General Solution of a Linear Nonhomogeneous Equation
    • 3.8 The Method of Undetermined Coefficients
    • 3.9 The Method of Variation of Parameters
    • 3.10 Forced Mechanical Vibrations, Electrical Networks, and Resonance
    • 3.11 Higher Order Linear Homogeneous Differential Equations
    • 3.12 Higher Order Homogeneous Constant Coefficient Differential Equations
    • 3.13 Higher Order Linear Nonhomogeneous Differential Equations
    • 3.14 Review Exercises
  4. FIRST ORDER LINEAR SYSTEMS
    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Existence and Uniqueness
    • 4.3 Homogeneous Linear Systems
    • 4.4 Constant Coefficient Homogeneous Systems and the Eigenvalue Problem
    • 4.5 Real Eigenvalues and the Phase Plane
    • 4.6 Complex Eigenvalues
    • 4.7 Repeated Eigenvalues
    • 4.8 Nonhomogeneous Linear Systems
    • 4.9 Numerical Methods for Systems of Differential Equations
    • 4.10 The Exponential Matrix and Diagonalization
    • 4.11 Review Exercises
  5. LAPLACE TRANSFORMS
    • 5.1 Introduction
    • 5.2 Laplace Transform Pairs
    • 5.3 The Method of Partial Fractions
    • 5.4 Laplace Transforms of Periodic Functions and System Transfer Functions
    • 5.5 Solving Systems of Differential Equations
    • 5.6 Convolution
    • 5.7 The Delta Function and Impulse Response
  6. NONLINEAR SYSTEMS
    • 6.1 Introduction
    • 6.2 Equilibrium Solutions and Direction Fields
    • 6.3 Conservative Systems
    • 6.4 Stability
    • 6.5 Linearization and the Local Picture
    • 6.6 Two-Dimensional Linear Systems
    • 6.7 Predator-Prey Population Models
  7. NUMERICAL METHODS
    • 7.1 Euler’s Method, Heun’s Method, the Modified Euler’s Method
    • 7.2 Taylor Series Methods
    • 7.3 Runge-Kutta Methods
  8. SERIES SOLUTION OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
    • 8.1 Introduction
    • 8.2 Series Solutions near an Ordinary Point
    • 8.3 The Euler Equation
    • 8.4 Solutions Near a Regular Singular Point and the Method of Frobenius
    • 8.5 The Method of Frobenius Continued; Special Cases and a Summary
  9. SECOND ORDER PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND FOURIER SERIES
    • 9.1 Heat Flow in a Thin Bar. Separation of Variables
    • 9.2 Series Solutions
    • 9.3 Calculating the Solution
    • 9.4 Fourier Series
    • 9.5 The Wave Equation
    • 9.6 Laplace’s Equation
    • 9.7 Higher-Dimensional Problems; Nonhomogeneous Equations
  10. FIRST ORDER PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND THE METHOD OF CHARACTERISTICS
    • 10.1 The Cauchy Problem
    • 10.2 Existence and Uniqueness
    • 10.3 The Method of Characteristics
  11. LINEAR TWO-POINT BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS
    • 11.1 Existence and Uniqueness
    • 11.2 Two-Point Boundary Value Problems for Linear Systems
    • 11.3 Sturm-Liouville Boundary Value Problems

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