Diffeq review book suggestions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on differential equations, particularly for a course that includes vector field theory, Fourier series, and linear partial differential equations. Participants seek advice on suitable review books to prepare for the course, considering their existing knowledge and the required prerequisites.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the Boyce and DiPrima text as it is basic and not difficult to read.
  • Another participant recommends Strogatz's "Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos" for its applicable examples.
  • There is a question about whether Boyce and DiPrima is a reference text that scientists and engineers should keep on their shelves.
  • A participant mentions that Boyce and DiPrima is a core book for undergraduate mathematics courses on differential equations.
  • One participant proposes checking the library for Boyce and DiPrima before purchasing it.
  • Another participant suggests "Arfken, Mathematical Methods for Physicists" as a useful reference for the long term.
  • A different suggestion is made for "Braun, ODE Book with Applications," which is considered preferable and available at a lower cost.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the necessity of purchasing additional textbooks, with some advocating for Boyce and DiPrima while others suggest alternatives. There is no consensus on a single recommended text.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the recommended texts and their applicability to different fields, indicating that personal preferences and experiences may influence their suggestions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for courses in differential equations, particularly those in engineering and physics, may find this discussion helpful for selecting appropriate review materials.

jbusc
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Hi, sorry if this is posted/answered all the time, but I need some book advice.

Basically, I will be taking this course in the fall:

Vector field theory; theorems of Gauss, Green, and Stokes; Fourier series and integrals; complex variables; linear partial differential equations; series solutions of ordinary differential equations.

Text: Erwin Resize: Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 8th edition

And required prep knowledge for entering this course is:

First-order differential equations; second-order linear differential equations; determinants and matrices; systems of linear differential equations; Laplace transforms.

Text: Elementary Differential Equations, Boyce and DiPrima, 7th ed.

Now I've taken tons of Linear Algebra and Multivariable calculus, but I need brush up on diffeqs. Basically, I'd like a book that reviews/covers what I need to know from the second class.

I thought of Schaum's outlines, but I also figured that Resize's book might review in the first couple chapters what I need to know also. Any suggestions? Thanks. :)
 
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The Boyce and DiPrima text is quite basic - and not a hard read - why not use that one?

If not, Strogatz: Nonlinear dynamics and chaos: With applications to physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering, is an option.

Though, for a prerequisite, I'd go for B&DiP
 
I was kinda hoping I wouldn't have to drop extra $$$ for another textbook, but I guess it isn't a big deal. Is Boyce & DiPrima the kind of text scientists and engineers should always keep on their shelves as a reference? If so I'll consider buying it, otherwise, if I do buy a textbook I would like to have one to keep around forever.
 
B&DiP's more of a core book for an UG maths course on DEs.

Strogatz has more applicable examples.

(I still have B&DiP on my shelf from UG days tho' - and still look to it from time to time.)

Can you not get it out of the library - read through it, and see if you like what you see.
 
jbusc said:
I was kinda hoping I wouldn't have to drop extra $$$ for another textbook, but I guess it isn't a big deal. Is Boyce & DiPrima the kind of text scientists and engineers should always keep on their shelves as a reference? If so I'll consider buying it, otherwise, if I do buy a textbook I would like to have one to keep around forever.

Arfken, Mathematical Methods for Physicists?
useful forever :)
 
braun, ode book with applications, is available cheap and to me is highly preferable to bdip.
 

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