Customer Reviews

Engineering Mathematics Handbook

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First of all my review is on the 1979 version of this book. It has been in my possession that long. Once again today, it helped me drag up a mathematical fact I had long forgotten.

In 1976 I graduated from college with an associates degree in engineering. I had high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus behind me. Also with my two year degree, I had calculus, analytical geometry and differential equations as well. I needed a single reference that would cover everything. Then I happened upon this book in a bookstore. What a prize this was!

Since that time, I have completed both my B.S.M.E and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and I have this dog eared book beside me at all time. From looking up linear algebraic equations, differential calculus, vector analysis, complex variables, all the way to the formula for the eccentricity of an ellipse for my son this evening, this book has baled me out of referring to ten other books. It is well worth the investment.

Ironically, years later when discussing a geometric equation with a co-worker he commented that he relied on a great reference he found in book store many years earlier while attending college. You got it, it was the same book.

What I can't speak to is the last two chapters that are new to this edition. Mine only goes to Chapter 20.

What I also should note, as a Mechanical engineer using this, I found it incredibly useful. I have no idea if a person that does not regularly use geometry, trigonometry, algebra, calculus, linear algebra, etc., would get very much use from it or not. For students in this field I found it to be very useful. Basically, read the table of contents Amazon provides and make your own judgement.

For those of us who forgot our laplace transforms, indefinite integrals and differential equations the day we set foot out of school, this book provides a handy, easy to use reference.

The book is organized into 22 chapters taking the user from algebra to the properties of space curves and surfaces. The text is straightforward: examples and lots of them.

If you are looking for a text to learn mathematics - this is the not the book for you. But, if you need help to dust off the cobwebs, or to find a usable example to solve a complex problem - it is the right book.