Computer Algebra Recipes: An Advanced Guide to Scientific Modeling [Paperback]

Richard H. Enns (Author), George C. McGuire (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 12, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0387257683 | ISBN-13: 978-0387257686 | Edition: 2007

This book presents a large number of computer algebra worksheets or "recipes" that have been designed using MAPLE to provide tools for problem solving and to stimulate critical thinking. No prior knowledge of MAPLE is necessary. All relevant commands are introduced on a need-to-know basis and are indexed for easy reference. Each recipe features a scientific model or method and an interesting or amusing story designed to both entertain and enhance concept comprehension and retention.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is written in the same spirit as the earlier text [Computer algebra recipes for mathematical physics. In accordance with the title of the book, the three chapters of the book are named as follows: I. The appetizers; II. The entrees; III. The deserts. Each chapter is divided into several dozens of subsections, patterned in the same way: a cover story about a modelling problem, some mathematical background, Maple solution of the problem with graphics, a set of problems. No prior knowledge of Maple is required from the reader: the authors suggest that new users of Maple read the book in natural order while experiences users may skip some parts and go directly to the topic of their interest. The cover stories are chosen from most diverse subjects that well describe the universal role of scientific modelling. A central theme is the use of systems of ordinary differential equations with many variations. For instance the love affair between Romeo and Juliet is analyzed in this way." (Matti Vuorinen, Zentralblatt MATH)

From the Back Cover

Modern computer algebra systems are revolutionizing the teaching and learning of mathematically intensive subjects in science and engineering, enabling students to explore increasingly complex and computationally intensive models that provide analytic solutions, animated numerical solutions, and complex two- and three-dimensional graphic displays. This self-contained text benefits from a spiral structure that regularly revisits the general topics of graphics, symbolic computation, and numerical simulation with increasing intricacy at each turn. The text is built around a large number of computer algebra worksheets or "recipes" that have been designed using MAPLE to provide tools for problem solving and to stimulate critical thinking. No prior knowledge of MAPLE is assumed. All relevant commands are introduced on a need-to-know basis and are indexed for easy reference. Each recipe is associated with a scientific model or method and an interesting or amusing story designed to both entertain and enhance concept comprehension and retention. All recipes are included on the CD-ROM enclosed with the book. Aimed at third- and fourth-year undergraduates in science and engineering, the text contains numerous examples in disciplines that will challenge students progressing in mathematics, physics, engineering, game theory, and physical chemistry. Computer Algebra Recipes: An Advanced Guide to Mathematical Modeling can serve as an effective computational science text, with a set of problems following each section of recipes to enable readers to apply and confirm their understanding. The book may also be used as a reference, for self-study, or as the basis of an online course.

Product Details

• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2007 edition (January 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387257683
• ISBN-13: 978-0387257686
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #779,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overall text, February 8, 2010

By 

Max Nevill (BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Computer Algebra Recipes (Hardcover)

I took this class with one of the authors, George McGuire. The text strongly supports self learning, and has a range of engaging excercises for someone new to using a Computer Algebra system. It should be noted however, that this text exclusively focuses on MAPLE, and many of the harder questions rely on the user making large intuitive leaps in how to program MAPLE, and definitely relies on a large amount of knowledge not explained in the text.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars cd format mac incompatibility fixed (for me), February 26, 2002

By 

Paul M. Sheldon "time asymmetry through Keldy... (Richardson, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Computer Algebra Recipes (Hardcover)

Contacted Springer who manufactured cd in microsoft format incompatible to mac today (26Feb2002).

... These authors are masters. Each author, I find from surfing on the web, has a computer learning lab. The early reading introduces the fact that without the constraints of paper, undergraduates can learn to compose solutions to more realistic problems, eg. golf balls do not go on parabolas but do depend on your irons and crosswinds.

My last read text by the same authors, "Nonlinear Physics with Maple" edition 1 was a really inspiring book full of exercises. A master of solitons, Ablowitz, wrote (with) "Complex Variables" available at [Amazon.com]. Riemann Hilbert problems chapter 7 ought to further flesh out "Nonlinear Physics with Maple" last chapter concerning inverse scattering method in a to me readable manner.