Numerical Methods for Unconstrained Optimization and Nonlinear Equations (Classics in Applied Mathematics, 16)

Rating:
Summary: I understood it!
Review: Looking for a text that explains the maths and the implementation of optimisation? I needed to write a program that included numerical optimisation, but I didn't understand the maths. I'd tried to read some other books on the subject, but I gave up because they presumed too much background knowledge and because they were written in an academic format (all proofs, greek letters and algebra) too obscure for me to wade through.

This book explains everything in plain english. When there is a new concept to be introduced, they begin with a practical example of the problem and then step through the solution. Any proofs are accompanied by graphs and words. The emphasis is on practicality and concepts rather than algebraic rigour.

I recommend this book to anyone who needs to create their own optimisations, or who wants to understand what goes on inside their software.