Synopses & Reviews
MATLAB is a powerful programme, which naturally lends itself to the rapid implementation of most numerical algorithms. This text, which uses MATLAB, gives a detailed overview of structured programming and numerical methods for the undergraduate student.
The book covers numerical methods for solving a wide range of problems, from integration to the numerical solution of differential equations or the stimulation of random processes. Examples of programmes that solve problems directly, as well as those that use MATLAB's high-level commands are given.
Each chapter includes extensive examples and tasks, at varying levels of complexity. For practice, the early chapters include programmes that require debugging by the reader, while full solutions are given for all the tasks. The book also includes:
a glossary of MATLAB commands
appendices of mathematical techniques used in numerical methods.
Designed as a text for a first course in programming and algorithm design, as well as in numerical methods courses, the book will be of benefit to a wide range of students from mathematics and engineering, to commerce.
Review
From the reviews of the first edition:
"This book is an introduction to the numerical methods that are frequently used in science and engineering undergraduate courses and it is based on the MATLAB programming environment. ... The text is easy to read even for those who have little experience with computer practice. ... There are three appendices and the most useful of them, about 70 pages, gives solutions to the tasks at the end of chapters." (Matti Vuorinen, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1076, 2006)
Synopsis
This text provides a first course in numerical methods and programming taught through the medium of MATLAB. It is designed to give readers their first exposure to any kind of programming. The first three chapters introduce readers to the power of MATLAB without overwhelming them with its advanced features; the text then covers all the elementary material associated with numerical methods, and helps students develop skills in algorithm design. Examples of code are provided to debug, hence accentuating the need for precision, and developing readersb skills in finding errors in their own work. At the end of each chapter, tasks are provided to reinforce the ideas introduced, with full solutions at the back of the book. A glossary of terms is provided, with each term supported by an example of the syntaxes commonly encountered. Aimed at first and second year undergraduates in mathematics and engineering, this book will also be invaluable for engineers who need to use MATLAB in their work environment.
Synopsis
This text provides a first course in numerical methods and programming taught through the medium of MATLAB. It is designed to give readers their first exposure to any kind of programming. Exposure to MATLAB, and programming in general, is becoming essential for students. It is the standard tool of choice for many universities - in both the mathematics and engineering departments - and it is also used extensively in industry. The level is elementary, avoiding deep mathematical descriptions, and the practical approach makes it accessible to anyone with a modest mathematical background.
Synopsis
An elementary first course for students in mathematics and engineering
Practical in approach: examples of code are provided for students to debug, and tasks - with full solutions - are provided at the end of each chapter
Includes a glossary of useful terms, with each term supported by an example of the syntaxes commonly encountered
About the Author
Steve Otto was formerly a lecturer at Birmingham University but now heads a research unit at St. Andrews, UK. This book is based on courses taught at Birmingham and at Adelaide to students in mathematics, engineering and economics.
Table of Contents
Simple calculations with MATLAB.- Writing scripts and functions.- Loops and conditional statements.- Root finding.- Interpolation and extrapolation.- Matrices.- Numerical integration.- Solving differential equations.- Simulations and random numbers.- Appendices.- A mathematical introduction to matrices.- Glossary of useful terms.- Solutions to tasks.