Help Finding Textbook for Ordinary Differential Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks on ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Participants express their preferences and experiences with various texts, focusing on their suitability as references or learning materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with the Boyce and Brannon text and seeks recommendations for a better reference book.
  • Another participant suggests the Dover text by Tenenbaum and Pollard, highlighting its organization and inclusion of proofs and motivations.
  • A different participant agrees on the quality of Tenenbaum and Pollard as a reference and mentions their positive experience with the Boyce and DiPrima text.
  • Another participant also finds Boyce and DiPrima to be a good introductory text, noting its wordiness as a positive aspect.
  • A participant points out that a similar discussion occurred recently and suggests using the search function for previous recommendations, proposing a move to the "Book Recommendations" section.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the quality of the Tenenbaum and Pollard text, but there are differing opinions on the Boyce and DiPrima text, with some enjoying it while others find it wordy. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice for a reference text.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences with different textbooks, which may not reflect a comprehensive evaluation of all available resources. The discussion lacks a definitive consensus on the best textbook for ordinary differential equations.

trajan22
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Hey all, I was hoping someone would be able to point me at a good ordinary differential equations text. Basically right now I have been working out of 'ordinary differential equations" by boyce and brannon. but I am fed up with the book and really would just like a good book to be used as a reference. Does anyone have any recommendations?
 
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If you're looking for a reference, try the Dover text by Tenenbaum and Pollard (called Ordinary Differential Equations). It's well organized as a reference for solving specific types of ODEs and using specific methods, as well as having proofs and motivations.
 
As the man said, Tenenbaum and Pollard is excellent as a reference, and is probably quite good for learning if you're sharper than I am.

I learned ODEs from the Boyce and DiPrima text and thoroughly enjoyed it.
 
Boyce and DiPrima is good intro to ODEs. Its rather wordy and I like that.
 
trajan22 said:
Hey all, I was hoping someone would be able to point me at a good ordinary differential equations text. Basically right now I have been working out of 'ordinary differential equations" by boyce and brannon. but I am fed up with the book and really would just like a good book to be used as a reference. Does anyone have any recommendations?

We had this discussion just a few weeks ago! (Try the "search" button.)

Is it too late to suggest moving this thread to "Book Recommendations"?
 
Last edited:

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