Finding the Best Textbook for Differential Equations

[Drood]

Hi,

I searched the forums but was unable to find any thread about DE textbooks so I'll start one. I'm looking for a good DE textbook, mostly focusing on ODEs, something comprehensive and complete and not too old fashioned. Does anybody have any recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[micromass]

You might want to give more information in your post. Like: what is your current knowledge of mathematics? Have you done DE's before? What would you like to book to cover? Would you like to be able to solve equations, or would you be more interested in theoretical existence and uniqueness problems, or are you more interested in finding solutions with computers?

Anyway, a book I like very much is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070575401/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Another good book (but it requires mathematical maturity) is of course the classic by Arnold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540345639/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Drood]

You might want to give more information in your post. Like: what is your current knowledge of mathematics? Have you done DE's before? What would you like to book to cover? Would you like to be able to solve equations, or would you be more interested in theoretical existence and uniqueness problems, or are you more interested in finding solutions with computers?

Anyway, a book I like very much is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070575401/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Another good book (but it requires mathematical maturity) is of course the classic by Arnold: https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540345639/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thank you for your reply. I've done linear algebra, Calculus 1-3 (3 being the 'highest' calculus offered). I self studied solution methods to some basic ODEs such as first order and second order, homogenous and non-homogenous, linear...to prepare me for the mechanics course I just finished, so I have some knowledge. Anyways I have 'Differential Equations' next semester and I would like to pick up a supplementary textbook to go with this text we'll likely be using:

https://www.amazon.com/Differential-Equations-Boundary-Value-Textbooks-Available/dp/1111827060/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Analytical solution methods is what I am most interested in at the moment.

Thanks again

 

[Drood]

I like the first textbook you presented. The more pages it has the better! It usually means the topics more thoroughly covered with lengthier explanations.

 

[Jorriss]

I like the first textbook you presented. The more pages it has the better! It usually means the topics more thoroughly covered with lengthier explanations.

For your background, I really like Ross Differential equations.

And more pages doesn't mean better.