Linearity plays a critical role in the study of elementary differential equations; linear differential equations, especially systems thereof, demonstrate a fundamental application of linear algebra. In Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, we explore this interplay between linear algebra and differential equations and examine introductory and important ideas in each, usually through the lens of important problems that involve differential equations. Written at a sophomore level, the text is accessible to students who have completed multivariable calculus. With a systems-first approach, the book is appropriate for courses for majors in mathematics, science, and engineering that study systems of differential equations.
Because of its emphasis on linearity, the text opens with a full chapter devoted to essential ideas in linear algebra. Motivated by future problems in systems of differential equations, the chapter on linear algebra introduces such key ideas as systems of algebraic equations, linear combinations, the eigenvalue problem, and bases and dimension of vector spaces. This chapter enables students to quickly learn enough linear algebra to appreciate the structure of solutions to linear differential equations and systems thereof in subsequent study and to apply these ideas regularly.
The book offers an example-driven approach, beginning each chapter with one or two motivating problems that are applied in nature. The following chapter develops the mathematics necessary to solve these problems and explores related topics further. Even in more theoretical developments, we use an example-first style to build intuition and understanding before stating or proving general results. Over 100 figures provide visual demonstration of key ideas; the use of the computer algebra system Maple and Microsoft Excel are presented in detail throughout to provide further perspective and support students' use of technology in solving problems. Each chapter closes with several substantial projects for further study, many of which are based in applications.
Errata sheet available at: www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780195385861/pdf/errata.pdf

This book is designed to serve as a core text for courses in advanced engineering mathematics required by many engineering departments. The style of presentation is such that the student, with a minimum of assistance, can follow the step-by-step derivations. Liberal use of examples and homework prob lems aid the student in the study of the topics presented. Ordinary differential equations, including a number of physical applica tions, are reviewed in Chapter One. The use of series methods are presented in Chapter Two, Subsequent chapters present Laplace transforms, matrix theory and applications, vector analysis, Fourier series and transforms, partial differential equations, numerical methods using finite differences, complex vari ables, and wavelets. The material is presented so that four or five subjects can be covered in a single course, depending on the topics chosen and the completeness of coverage. Incorporated in this textbook is the use of certain computer software packages. Short tutorials on Maple, demonstrating how problems in engineering mathematics can be solved with a computer algebra system, are included in most sections of the text. Problems have been identified at the end of sections to be solved specifically with Maple, and there are computer laboratory activities, which are more difficult problems designed for Maple. In addition, MATLAB and Excel have been included in the solution of problems in several of the chapters. There is a solutions manual available for those who select the text for their course. This text can be used in two semesters of engineering mathematics. The many helpful features make the text relatively easy to use in the classroom.

< div="">This book introduces undergraduate students of engineering and science to applied mathematics essential to the study of many problems. Topics are differential equations, power series, Laplace transforms, matrices and determinants, vector analysis, partial differential equations, complex variables, and numerical methods. Approximately, 160 examples and 1000 homework problems aid students in their study. This book presents mathematical topics using derivations rather than theorems and proofs. This textbook is uniquely qualified to apply mathematics to physical applications (spring-mass systems, electrical circuits, conduction, diffusion, etc.), in a manner that is efficient and understandable. This book is written to support a mathematics course after differential equations, to permit several topics to be covered in one semester, and to make the material comprehensible to undergraduates. An Instructor Solutions Manual, and also a Student Solutions Manual that provides solutions to select problems, is available. ^