15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Serious recommendation (and why the other reviewers may not be doing it justice), March 26, 2009
This review is from: Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)
I understand the frustration expressed by many reviewers who claimed this book to be too advanced. However, that doesn't make it a bad book. Quite the contrary, if you have some solid understanding of calculus, this is one of the best if not the best book on DE & Linear.
I am a freshman majoring in applied math. I strongly recommend the book for several reasons:
Firstly, this book "MAKES SENSE" out of math. It does not present math theory just for theory's sake, as has been done by most math textbooks. Instead, every section of math is put into context of real world applications. For example, the book starts with the famous Malthus model (which was the first of its kind that attempts to model population growth) to illustrate the meaning and usefulness of mathematical modeling. Moreover, along with the book, great online interactive tools are provided, giving beautiful illustrations and also many chances for the student to actually USE the math he just learned in a previous page.
Secondly, the questions are well designed. They are not just problems that help you master the math skills; they give them meanings. Problems are introduced in settings of true models and real world problems. You will also be thrilled to know that MOST of the questions are answered in detail at the back.
Therefore I strongly recommend this book to people who have some background in calculus. I even think that non math students should read it. It is not that hard to understand. And, seriously, it does not require a lot of background. Just some calculus. No mathematical analysis or real analysis, man. Just some calculus and you will be able to enjoy it.
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4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
I wish I could give it a 0 out of 5 stars, February 13, 2007
This review is from: Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)
This textbook is the most vague textbook I have every read. The examples give no further explination or clarification. The text use terms such as "it is obviously" and "this way is pretty obvious". The homework problems assume that you do each problem in order because several problems reference previous problems for clarification. Several problems use methods discussed in the problems section and are not explained in the text. The book also assumes previous knowledge to be mastered. The authors have an understanding of math symbols that take the place of words (i.e. "such that"), but I don't. I need explinations of these symbols and it wouldn't have been difficult to insert a note.
I am disappointed that my school chose thise textbook to use. Avoid using this text for anything other than homework. I would rather read an "Idiots Guide to..." than study using this textbook.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
It's ok, September 5, 2011
This review is from: Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)
I am taking this class right now, and cannot say it is very helpful. So far it was not much of use for me.
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