<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: There is a better way to learn diff. eq.
Review: I took a course in Differential Equations using Linear Algebra at the University of Houston in Spring of 2000. The author of this book is a professor at U of H. In short: the content is adequate in proving key mathematical ideas, but the layout is terrible and very few examples exist to confirm one's understanding of the theory - most other students in my class had a similar opinon about the book. Most second year math students would not be able to solve diff. equations after reading this book.I ended up with a very good grade in this class due to researching other books, using Matlab software and gaining assistance from the Professor and the Teaching Assistant. Diff. Eq. is a fascinating and important subject matter; but not from the perspective of this book. The Author needs to rewrite the book and bring the subject matter to life with applications, more graphics and a clearer presentation of the theory. Until the rewrite, keep searching the amazon databases...
Rating: 
Summary: Already Confused?....This book won't help.
Review: I used the text in a Calculus 3 course for intro to DiffEq and LinAlg. While taking the class and using this text, I ended up more confused than I started. Being new to the material, the text uses to much mathematical notation for someone not acustomed to theory or different mathematical notation. In addition, the text does not provide enough examples to help digest the material. On the plus side, the book does do a good job of incorporating basic MATLAB skills, but lacks in giving any direction on how to use MATLAB. I noticed in someone else's review they suggested Gilbert Strang's Linear Algebra book...I would also; the book is much more clear on the linear algebra side and is very easy to understand and interpret. For the differential equation side, I would highly recommend Boyce/DiPrima.
Rating:
Summary: Already Confused?....This book won't help.
Review: I used the text in a Calculus 3 course for intro to DiffEq and LinAlg. While taking the class and using this text, I ended up more confused than I started. Being new to the material, the text uses to much mathematical notation for someone not acustomed to theory or different mathematical notation. In addition, the text does not provide enough examples to help digest the material. On the plus side, the book does do a good job of incorporating basic MATLAB skills, but lacks in giving any direction on how to use MATLAB. I noticed in someone else's review they suggested Gilbert Strang's Linear Algebra book...I would also; the book is much more clear on the linear algebra side and is very easy to understand and interpret. For the differential equation side, I would highly recommend Boyce/DiPrima.
Rating:
Summary: Find another book
Review: The authors wrote this book for students who are new to linear algebra and differential equations. However, the book is anything but introductory. As hard as I tried, I could hardly follow the book. The explanations and examples are not very enlightening at all. The book tries to teach students how to play with MatLab, which is a bad move. I could read and type the Matlab code from the book, but I didn't learn to solve the problems by hand... Not from this book.
Rating:
Summary: Use Another Book
Review: This book is not good at explaining linear algebra or differential equations. Gilbert Strang has a much better book and many math books that are specific to areas of applied math typically explain both concepts. Be prepared to use some reference books if your prof. requires this text.
Rating:
Summary: Use Another Book
Review: This book is not good at explaining linear algebra or differential equations. Gilbert Strang has a much better book and many math books that are specific to areas of applied math typically explain both concepts. Be prepared to use some reference books if your prof. requires this text.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This is a terrific book. The ideal precursor to anyone interested in reading Hirsch-Smale .
<< 1 >>
| 
