Rating: 
Summary: Elementary Diffential Equations by Boyce and DiPrima
Review: This book is excellent for math majors or engineers who have had
a strong background in higher mathematics. The work provides
a step-by-step analysis of the classic problem areas i.e.
initial value problems, solution boundaries, homogeneous and
non-homogeneous solutions, the exponential form, higher order
differential equations, variation of parameters, LaPlace
transformation and other more exotic applications too numerous
to list here. For non-math majors, the book may become difficultto follow. Therefore; it may help to consult with the Schaum's
Outline in order to supplement this text. Boyce and DiPrima
is more than enough to get you through the Fundamentals of
Engineering Examination. Differential Equations is a subject
which requires students to take copious notes. It pays to
struggle through the homeworks and to plan daily study sessions
of 15 minutes to 1 hour depending upon where you are in the
course. It is well worth the effort to master this course because the applications to engineering are numerous and profound. Mastery of this subject will provide you with a
life-long skill.
Rating:
Summary: This book offers good exercises
Review: This book is good in providing good exercises to guide you through various DE types. It presents basic concepts are explained in each chapter and more advanced DEs are given in the exercises in a way that guides you through solutions. It is great! The most I liked in this book is that approximately all questions' answers are provided at the end(just the results). The book is not good in terms of computer applications. Use it with Ross' classical DE book it will be beneficial.
Rating:
Summary: A classic in the field.
Review: This is a classic D.E. textbook- which is to say that the newer methods of phase plane analysis and graphical interpretations of solutions, and nonlinear analysis have been added to the "older" recipe-book-style of differential equations. This makes the text comprehensive, but the newer material has not been as comprehensively integrated as with other DE books (i.e., Blanchard, Kostelich, etc.). As a student, I found this book difficult, but over the years, I find that every time I pick it up, I find new and interesting things that I missed previously. It's something to keep on the shelf.
Rating:
Summary: A classic in the field.
Review: This is a classic D.E. textbook- which is to say that the newer methods of phase plane analysis and graphical interpretations of solutions, and nonlinear analysis have been added to the "older" recipe-book-style of differential equations. This makes the text comprehensive, but the newer material has not been as comprehensively integrated as with other DE books (i.e., Blanchard, Kostelich, etc.). As a student, I found this book difficult, but over the years, I find that every time I pick it up, I find new and interesting things that I missed previously. It's something to keep on the shelf.
Rating: 
Summary: Not helpful
Review: This is perhaps the worst book ever written, ever. I was forced to buy this book for my class and I have regretted every penny I've spent on this "book." Needless to say, I do not recommend this at all. It skips many steps in its example problems. It doesn't even explain how to take a determinent of a 3 x 3 matrix. It assumes that you remember that. So, for the love of God, stay away.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor choice for an introductory text
Review: Why anyone would choose this text to first introduce students to differential equations is beyond me. I've used this text both as a student and as a TA, and my hatred of it has only grown as I've tutored students out of it. Engineers and scientists don't need the lengthy descriptions provided in this text, which make it difficult to quickly refresh one's memory on a particular method. In addition, this text is suffering from a blight that affects many calculus and differential equations texts--moving important methods and/or concepts into the exercises. The examples are fairly good and provide the only way to figure out what is going on without spending hours reading. Its other redeeming quality is that almost all of the answers are provided in the back of the text, which is helpful to students who will rework problems until they get the right answer. Students should beware that instructors and graders quickly catch on to this fact, so you really need to work through to the right answer, or your score will suffer. Additionally, this text's price is rising quite rapidly. I don't understand why it is, but the book certainly isn't worth its current price. Don't buy this book unless you have to!
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