Elementary Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems (6th Edition) [Hardcover]

C. Henry Edwards (Author), David E. Penney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0136006132 | ISBN-13: 978-0136006138 | Edition: 6

The Sixth Edition of this acclaimed differential equations book remains the same classic volume it's always been, but has been polished and sharpened to serve readers even more effectively. Offers  precise and clear-cut statements of fundamental existence and uniqueness theorems to allow understanding of their role in this subject. Features a strong numerical approach that emphasizes that the effective and reliable use of numerical methods often requires preliminary analysis using standard elementary techniques. Inserts new graphics and text where needed for improved accessibility. A useful reference for readers who need to brush up on differential equations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Focused on the standard elementary techniques of solution of differential equations and the mathematical modeling of real-world situations, this book anticipates and addresses the questions and difficulties typically encountered by those studying the subject for the first time. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Maintaining a contemporary perspective, this strongly algebraic-oriented text provides a concrete and readable text for the traditional course in elementary differential equations that science, engineering, and mathematics readers take following calculus. Matters of definition, classification, and logical structure deserve (and receive here) careful attention for the first time in the mathematical experience of many of the readers. While it is neither feasible nor desirable to include proofs of the fundamental existence and uniqueness theorems along the way in an elementary course, readers need to see precise and clear-cut statements of these theorems, and understand their role in the subject. Appropriate existence and uniqueness proofs in the Appendix are included, and referred to where appropriate in the main body of the text. Applications are highlighted throughout the text. These include: What explains the commonly observed lag time between indoor and outdoor daily temperature oscillations?; What makes the difference between doomsday and extinction in alligator populations?; How do a unicycle and a two-axle car react differently to road bumps?; Why are flagpoles hollow instead of solid?; Why might an earthquake demolish one building and leave standing the one next door?; How can you predict the time of next perihelion passage of a newly observed comet?; Why and when does non-linearity lead to chaos in biological and mechanical systems?; What explains the difference in the sounds of a guitar, a xylophone, and a drum? Includes almost 300 computer-generated graphics throughout the text. This text, with enough material for 2 terms, provides a concrete and readable text for the traditional course in elementary differential equations that science, engineering, and mathematics readers take following calculus. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 792 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 6 edition (December 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0136006132
• ISBN-13: 978-0136006138
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book but a strong background on calculus required., September 5, 2000

By 

Sandro Herrera (Cambridge, Massachusetts United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Differential Equations with Boundary Value Problems (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

This book will tell you everything you need to learn on differential equations. It covers thoroughly the methods for solving first and second order differential equations. The book also extends into Fourier transforms. I used this book at MIT for the differential equations class and found it very useful. Within its contents, matlab exercises are present and some simple projects which lets the student apply its knowledge. The only problem with the book is that it can be hard to read at certain points. Also the author assumes a strong background in calculus.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for math majors only, December 3, 2004

By 

Erik J. Fritsch (Sioux Center, IA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Elementary Diffential Equations with Boundary Value Problems (5th Edition) (Hardcover)

I've used this book during my differential class over the last semester. The problems in the book are carried out well and the back of the book has even and odd answers to help your understanding. For math majors, this book is great because it really wants you to "experience" the world of diff EQ, but for engineers or others taking it as a side class, it doesn't offer good examples for getting the job done. A good instructer can correct this though. As a book, 3 stars.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, May 19, 2010

By 

Isaque Franca Dutra (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elementary Differential Equations With Boundary Value Problems (Hardcover)

I bought the 5th edition of this book for my Differential Equations course and I am extremely satisfied with it. This book is clearly a great source for anyone interested in the subject. It has plenty of great examples in each chapter and it also includes many problems at the end of each section. Just make sure that you buy the book WITH "Boundary Value Problems" which includes two extra chapters: "Fourier Series Methods" and "Eigenvalues and Boundary Value Problems".