Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) | 
 enlarge | Authors: C. Henry Edwards, David E. Penney
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Category: Book
List Price: $133.33
Buy Used: $59.97
You Save: $73.36 (55%)
New (16) Used (16) from $59.97
Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 134446
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 2
Pages: 784
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.7
Dimensions (in): 10.1 x 8 x 1.4
ISBN: 0131481460
Dewey Decimal Number: 515.35
EAN: 9780131481466
Publication Date: April 2, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: As shown, cover/exterior shows much wear, but interior very clean. Choose Expedited Shipping for fastest delivery. Ships ASAP with free automated email confirmation.
| |
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Known for its real-world applications that grab readers' interest, this proven reference offers a full treatment of linear algebra. Discusses mathematical modeling of real-world phenomena, with a fresh new computational and qualitative flavor evident throughout in figures, examples, problems, and applications. Integrates scientific computing environments like Maple, Mathematica, and MATLAB. Extensively rewrites key sections with a fresh qualitative approach. Adds approximately 300 new computer-generated figures. Adds approximately 300 new or revised problems, many with a qualitative emphasis. A comprehensive reference for anyone who needs to improve their linear algebra skills.
|
| Customer Reviews:
 strong coverage of numerical methods January 2, 2005
W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
When I first learnt differential equations and linear algebra, it was with texts written in the 60s and 70s. So I turned to this book with interest; wondering what has changed. Well, at the level of the book, most of the material has been known for decades. But one immediate difference is the profusion of diagrams and the increased use of colour. Due in part to improvements in printing technology. It means that current students also have more visual cues to learn from. When one is studying differential equations, this can be quite useful.
Also, there is indeed new material here. Numerical methods are prominently discussed in many sections. Due to vastly more common availability of computers. So students are not restricted to handling only those problems that can be solved by hand, to give simple analytic results. The scope of learning has expanded. Now granted, most of the numerical methods in the book were already known in the 70s. But they were usually presented in texts devoted to numerical analysis, for people specialising in that field. Nowadays, it can be used in other branches of maths, like that covered by this book.
Along these lines, the authors exhibit an ecumenical attitude towards what computer languages a reader might be familiar with. Example programs are given in Basic and for the TI-89. For symbolic algebra, code is furnished for Maple and Mathematica. They recognise that readers might have different preferences and they try to outreach to as many as practical.
weak very weak.. June 15, 2006
Cory R. Rolstad (On Lake Superior)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
I have decided to change my review for this product, originally I gave it a 2/5 but now am changing it to a 1/5. Since I have written the review originally I have picked up the solutions manual, and although the solutions manual helps a little bit there is no getting around how poorly this book was written.
The problem is the lack of worked problems, there is on average only one worked problem that is usually pretty easy, and very different from the problems in the sections the student is to work.
the only reason that this book should get one star is that they managed to put ink on paper and bind it all together.
A very disatisfied customer
The author does not explain how to do the problems very well at all. For all of us non math majors this book is very hard to interpret, I often spend hours trying to piece together the puzzle the author calls worked problems. Its not unusual that the examples are spread out in fragments across several pages adding to the difficulty in readibility.
 Not suitable for learning or teaching. Great if one already has a grasp on the subject. April 23, 2006
C. Dennis (Washington DC)
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
First before I give my review of this book, I see it as necessary to give a description of myself. I am both a teacher and a student, and I have about six years teaching experience in all levels of mathematics up to calculus II.
I can honestly say that this is the worst textbook that I have ever used. I would say that with reservations if it were even remotely untrue. This book, while making a daring attempt to cover many complicated areas of mathematics, fails to provide a good resource for either in the class or out of classroom learning.
The areas specifically are:
1. Problem Examples
Differential equations are at times extremely difficult. Frequent skipping of steps and examples that are far too simple considering the practice problems given achieves little in the way of teaching.
2. An excessive focus on paragraph after paragraph of writing, while little attempts to make said writing flow along with the learning of technique and example problems.
These are the technical aspects that are poorly executed. Beyond that, perhaps the worst aspect is the presumptious tone of the author that a concept may appear 'obviously' or 'clearly' or 'simply'.
I do not recommend this book unless you already have quite a formal understanding of differential equations. If you do however, the reference to numerical methods and symbolic methods in Mathematica, Matlab, and for the TI-89 are superb. But I stress that is only if you already have an understanding of the topic. I acknowledge that it can be extremely difficult to write a good textbook. This book fails to provide a good source for new learners.
Only bits and pieces of information December 1, 2007
Kathy Woodbury (Salt Lake City, Utah)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I actually never received this product at all, eventhough it was promised it earlier than planned. I did see the ones other students in my classroom purchased. It has some good helps in some areas, but is not very complete and doesn't help a whole lot with understanding the subject. When a book like this comes through for you, it's cooooool, but this only has answers for some of the problems and doesn't go into much detail to point out areas where you may need a little more help.
|
|
|
