"Difference Equations, Second Edition," presents a practical introduction to this important field of solutions for engineering and the physical sciences. Topic coverage includes numerical analysis, numerical methods, differential equations, combinatorics and discrete modeling. A hallmark of this revision is the diverse application to many subfields of mathematics.

* Phase plane analysis for systems of two linear equations
* Use of equations of variation to approximate solutions
* Fundamental matrices and Floquet theory for periodic systems
* LaSalle invariance theorem
* Additional applications: secant line method, Bison problem, juvenile-adult population model, probability theory
* Appendix on the use of "Mathematica" for analyzing difference equaitons
* Exponential generating functions
* Many new examples and exercises

This text provides the first comprehensive treatment of the discrete fractional calculus. Experienced researchers will find the text useful as a reference for discrete fractional calculus and topics of current interest. Students who are interested in learning about discrete fractional calculus will find this text to provide a useful starting point. Several exercises are offered at the end of each chapter and select answers have been provided at the end of the book. The presentation of the content is designed to give ample flexibility for potential use in a myriad of courses and for independent study. The novel approach taken by the authors includes a simultaneous treatment of the fractional- and integer-order difference calculus (on a variety of time scales, including both the usual forward and backwards difference operators). The reader will acquire a solid foundation in the classical topics of the discrete calculus while being introduced to exciting recent developments, bringing them to the frontiers of the subject. Most chapters may be covered or omitted, depending upon the background of the student. For example, the text may be used as a primary reference in an introductory course for difference equations which also includes discrete fractional calculus. Chapters 1-2 provide a basic introduction to the delta calculus including fractional calculus on the set of integers. For courses where students already have background in elementary real analysis, Chapters 1-2 may be covered quickly and readers may then skip to Chapters 6-7 which present some basic results in fractional boundary value problems (FBVPs). Chapters 6-7 in conjunction with some of the current literature listed in the Bibliography can provide a basis for a seminar in the current theory of FBVPs. For a two-semester course, Chapters 1-5 may be covered in depth, providing a very thorough introduction to both the discrete fractional calculus as well as the integer-order calculus.

Excellent introductory material on the calculus of time scales and dynamic equations.; Numerous examples and exercises illustrate the diverse application of dynamic equations on time scales.; Unified and systematic exposition of the topics allows good transitions from chapter to chapter.; Contributors include Anderson, M. Bohner, Davis, Dosly, Eloe, Erbe, Guseinov, Henderson, Hilger, Hilscher, Kaymakcalan, Lakshmikantham, Mathsen, and A. Peterson, founders and leaders of this field of study.; Useful as a comprehensive resource of time scales and dynamic equations for pure and applied mathematicians.; Comprehensive bibliography and index complete this text.

This text provides the first comprehensive treatment of the discrete fractional calculus. Experienced researchers will find the text useful as a reference for discrete fractional calculus and topics of current interest. Students who are interested in learning about discrete fractional calculus will find this text to provide a useful starting point. Several exercises are offered at the end of each chapter and select answers have been provided at the end of the book. The presentation of the content is designed to give ample flexibility for potential use in a myriad of courses and for independent study. The novel approach taken by the authors includes a simultaneous treatment of the fractional- and integer-order difference calculus (on a variety of time scales, including both the usual forward and backwards difference operators). The reader will acquire a solid foundation in the classical topics of the discrete calculus while being introduced to exciting recent developments, bringing them to the frontiers of the subject. Most chapters may be covered or omitted, depending upon the background of the student. For example, the text may be used as a primary reference in an introductory course for difference equations which also includes discrete fractional calculus. Chapters 1-2 provide a basic introduction to the delta calculus including fractional calculus on the set of integers. For courses where students already have background in elementary real analysis, Chapters 1-2 may be covered quickly and readers may then skip to Chapters 6-7 which present some basic results in fractional boundary value problems (FBVPs). Chapters 6-7 in conjunction with some of the current literature listed in the Bibliography can provide a basis for a seminar in the current theory of FBVPs. For a two-semester course, Chapters 1-5 may be covered in depth, providing a very thorough introduction to both the discrete fractional calculus as well as the integer-order calculus.

Excellent introductory material on the calculus of time scales and dynamic equations.; Numerous examples and exercises illustrate the diverse application of dynamic equations on time scales.; Unified and systematic exposition of the topics allows good transitions from chapter to chapter.; Contributors include Anderson, M. Bohner, Davis, Dosly, Eloe, Erbe, Guseinov, Henderson, Hilger, Hilscher, Kaymakcalan, Lakshmikantham, Mathsen, and A. Peterson, founders and leaders of this field of study.; Useful as a comprehensive resource of time scales and dynamic equations for pure and applied mathematicians.; Comprehensive bibliography and index complete this text.