Introduction to Differential Equations

Many textbooks on differential equations are written to be interesting to the teacher rather than the student. Introduction to Differential Equations with Dynamical Systems is directed toward students. This concise and up-to-date textbook addresses the challenges that undergraduate mathematics, engineering, and science students experience during a first course on differential equations. And, while covering all the standard parts of the subject, the book emphasizes linear constant coefficient equations and applications, including the topics essential to engineering students. Stephen Campbell and Richard Haberman–using carefully worded derivations, elementary explanations, and examples, exercises, and figures rather than theorems and proofs–have written a book that makes learning and teaching differential equations easier and more relevant. The book also presents elementary dynamical systems in a unique and flexible way that is suitable for all courses, regardless of length.

Review

“Introduction to Differential Equations with Dynamical Systems is directed towards students. This concise and up-to-date textbook addresses the challenges that undergraduate mathematics, engineering and science students experience during a first course on differential equations.”– “L’Enseignement Mathematique”

“These two experienced applied mathematicians have sought to provide an easy-to-read introduction to differential equations for typical students. . . . The writing is clear and well illustrated.”—Robert E. O’Mally, Jr., SIAM Review

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 First-Order Differential Equations and Their Applications

CHAPTER 2 Linear Second – and Higher-Order Differential Equations

CHAPTER 3 The Laplace Transform

CHAPTER 4 An Introduction to Linear Systems of Differential Equations and Their Phase Plane

CHAPTER 5 Mostly Nonlinear First-Order Differential Equations

CHAPTER 6 Nonlinear Systems of Differential Equations in the Plane

Answers to Odd-Numbered Exercises

About the Author

Stephen L. Campbell is professor of mathematics and director of the graduate program in mathematics at North Carolina State University. Richard Haberman is professor of mathematics at Southern Methodist University. Campbell and Haberman are prolific researchers in applied mathematics and the authors of a number of textbooks.