This accessible, attractive, and interesting book enables readers to first solve those differential equations that have the most frequent and interesting applications. This approach illustrates the standard elementary techniques of solution of differential equations. Precise and clear-cut statements of fundamental existence and uniqueness theorems allow understanding of their role in this subject. A strong numerical approach emphasizes that the effective and reliable use of numerical methods often requires preliminary analysis using standard elementary techniques. The first few sections of most chapters introduce the principle ideas of each topic, with remaining sections devoted to extensions and applications. Topics covered include first-order differential equations, linear equations of higher order, power series methods, Laplace transform methods, linear systems of differential equations, numerical methods, nonlinear systems and phenomena, Fourier series methods, and Eigenvalues and boundary value problems. For those involved in the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics.
Preface
1 First-Order Differential Equations
1.1 Differential Equations and Mathematical Models
1.2 Integrals as General and Particular Solutions
1.3 Slope Fields and Solution Curves
1.4 Separable Equations and Applications
1.5 Linear First-Order Equations
1.6 Substitution Methods and Exact Equations
1.7 Population Models
1.8 Acceleration-Velocity Models
2 Linear Equations of Higher Order
2.1 Introduction: Second-Order Linear Equations
2.2 General Solutions of Linear Equations
2.3 Homogeneous Equations with Constant Coefficients
2.4 Mechanical Vibrations
2.5 Nonhomogeneous Equations and Undetermined Coefficients
2.6 Forced Oscillations and Resonance
2.7 Electrical Circuits
2.8 Endpoint Problems and Eigenvalues
3 Power Series Methods
3.1 Introduction and Review of Power Series
3.2 Series Solutions Near Ordinary Points
3.3 Regular Singular Points
3.4 Method of Frobenius: The Exceptional Cases
3.5 Bessel's Equation
3.6 Applications of Bessel Functions
4 Laplace Transform Methods
4.1 Laplace Transforms and Inverse Transforms
4.2 Transformation of Initial Value Problems
4.3 Translation and Partial Fractions
4.4 Derivatives, Integrals, and Products of Transforms
4.5 Periodic and Piecewise Continuous Input Functions
4.6 Impulses and Delta Functions
5 Linear Systems of Differential Equations
5.1 First-Order Systems and Applications
5.2 The Method of Elimination
5.3 Matrices and Linear Systems
5.4 The Eigenvalue Method for Homogeneous Systems
5.5 Second-Order Systems and Mechanical Applications
5.6 Multiple Eigenvalue Solutions
5.7 Matrix Exponentials and Linear Systems
5.8 Nonhomogeneous Linear Systems
6 Numerical Methods
6.1 Numerical Approximation: Euler's Method
6.2 A Closer Look at the Euler Method
6.3 The Runge-Kutta Method
6.4 Numerical Methods for Systems
7 Nonlinear Systems and Phenomena
7.1 Equilibrium Solutions and Stability
7.2 Stability and the Phase Plane
7.3 Linear and Almost Linear Systems
7.4 Ecological Models: Predators and Competitors
7.5 Nonlinear Mechanical Systems
7.6 Chaos in Dynamical Systems
8 Fourier Series Methods
8.1 Periodic Functions and Trigonometric Series
8.2 General Fourier Series and Convergence
8.3 Fourier Sine and Cosine Series
8.4 Applications of Fourier Series
8.5 Heat Conduction and Separation of Variables
8.6 Vibrating Strings and the One-Dimensional Wave Equation
8.7 Steady-State Temperature and Laplace's Equation
9 Eigenvalues and Boundary Value Problems
9.1 Sturm-Liouville Problems and Eigenfunction Expansions
9.2 Applications of Eigenfunction Series
9.3 Steady Periodic Solutions and Natural Frequencies
9.4 Cylindrical Coordinate Problems
9.5 Higher-Dimensional Phenomena
References for Further Study
Appendix: Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions
Answers to Selected Problems
Index I-1