A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (with CD-ROM and iLrn Tutorial) [Hardcover]

Dennis G. Zill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0534418783 | ISBN-13: 978-0534418786 | Edition: 008

Now enhanced with the innovative DE Tools CD-ROM and the iLrn teaching and learning system, this proven text explains the "how" behind the material and strikes a balance between the analytical, qualitative, and quantitative approaches to the study of differential equations. This accessible text speaks to students through a wealth of pedagogical aids, including an abundance of examples, explanations, "Remarks" boxes, definitions, and group projects. Author Dennis G. Zill wrote this book with the student's understanding kept firmly in mind. He presents the material in a straightforward, readable, and helpful manner, while keeping the level of theory consistent with the notion of a "first course."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The writing style and level of exposition are exactly what they should be for our course…. The greatest strengths of the book are its organization, its clear explanations of material and its problem sets."

"I believe Zill writes very well. He seems to explain ideas and concepts with great clarity. He introduces new topics slowly and methodically so the student will grasp the idea as he/she reads along." "Zill has a strong textbook: 1. He covers the important material in a depth suitable for a first course. 2. He writes well, is easy to read and understand. 3. He has a good mix of theory and application. As an engineering faculty teaching differential equations, I really appreciate the examples that show how differential equations arise and why they are useful things to study."

About the Author

Dennis G. Zill is Professor of Mathematics at Loyola Marymount University. His interests are in applied mathematics, special functions, and integral transforms. Dr. Zill received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics and his M.S. from Iowa State University in 1967 and 1964, respectively. He received his B.A. from St. Mary's, Winona, MN, in 1962. Dr. Zill is also former chair of the Mathematics Department at Loyola Marymount University. He is also the author or co-author of 13 texts in mathematics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 472 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 008 edition (October 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534418783
• ISBN-13: 978-0534418786
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good application oriented text., March 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (Hardcover)

I think before reading all other reviews of Zill's text, one must consider who did the 'panning'. Was it an instructor who used it to teach the class or a disgrunteled student who was unhappy about taking the class in the first place or unhappy with the grade received? This text is a little easier to read than most. It could be more thorough, but that would not be necessary for an undergraduate class. Professionally, I would prefer numerical methods come earlier, but I have no other criticism. I use it to teach DE and the good students all seem to like it while those who are failing would not like anything associated with the course. I don't necessarily cover the topics in the same order as the chapters are laid out, but the book is versatile enough that it doesn't cause any problems.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You will know how to do it, but you won't know how to explain it, July 13, 2006

By 

Kyri (Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (with CD-ROM and iLrn Tutorial) (Hardcover)

First off, this book adequately teaches you differential equations. It's clear and concise - all except for one thing. WHERE ARE THE EXPLANATIONS!? Each section just jumps into examples without first explaining important concepts. I tried to find out exactly what a Laplace transform was, but all the book told me was that it was similar to a derivative, they both transform one function into another type of funciton. YEAH, THANKS.

I know how to do everything, I just don't know exactly WHAT I'm doing.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Keep looking, February 18, 2002

By 

"mconner84" (CA,United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (Hardcover)

I agree with the 1 stars.
I was "forced" to use this book for my Diff Eq class. Although the book is typset beautifully, the content fell very short. Zill begins each section with an inspired generalization. Then things fall apart rapidly. His explanations seem to be very lacking (and there isn't much in the way of examples!).

I'm an engineering major, not a theoretical math major, so this book and I didn't connect at ALL.

I have used other texts (Ross), which I much preferred over this "learning tool".