Best Calculus of variations (Sturm Liouville Theory) textbook?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on calculus of variations and Sturm Liouville theory, including related topics such as Green's functions. Participants are seeking resources that may include questions and solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests suggestions for textbooks covering calculus of variations, variation subject to constraint, Sturm Liouville theory, and Green's functions.
  • Several participants recommend specific textbooks, including links to Amazon for purchasing.
  • A participant mentions a particular book, "Boundary and Eigenvalue Problems in Mathematical Physics," as useful during their graduate studies, noting its approach to boundary value problems through calculus of variations.
  • Another participant endorses Greenberg's book on Green's functions, highlighting its accessibility for non-mathematicians.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of the recommended textbooks, but there is no consensus on a single best resource as multiple suggestions are provided.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations may depend on personal experiences and may not reflect current editions or availability of the texts mentioned.

ksnaz12
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Hi, I have a course on calculus of variations and Sturm Liouville theory and was wondering if anyone had any good textbook suggestions? If they had questions and solutions it would be a bonus! I have put all the subtopics of the course below.

Calculus of variations
Variation subject to constraint
Sturm Liouville theory
Green functions

Thanks
 
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When I was in graduate school I remember this book being pretty useful
Boundary and Eigenvalue Problems in Mathematical Physics (Dover Books on Physics): Sagan, Hans: 9780486661322: Amazon.com: Books
although I haven't looked at it in 20 years. It starts with the calculus of variations, then uses it as the framework to discuss boundary value problems. You can view the table of contents here
Boundary and Eigenvalue Problems in Mathematical Physics (eBook) (doverpublications.com)

I also agree with caz that the Green's function book by Greenberg is very good - it is one of the most approachable introductions to the subject. I have looked at several of Greenberg's books and they are all good. He doesn't try to impress the reader with extra rigor or cleverness, but instead tries to explain things in a way that is easy for non-mathematicians to understand.

jason
 
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