Partial Differential Equations: An Introduction

by Walter A. Strauss

Our understanding of the fundamental processes of the natural world is based to a large extent on partial differential equations (PDEs). The second edition of Partial Differential Equations provides an introduction to the basic properties of PDEs and the ideas and techniques that have proven useful in analyzing them. It provides the student a broad perspective on the subject, illustrates the incredibly rich variety of phenomena encompassed by it, and imparts a working knowledge of the most important techniques of analysis of the solutions of the equations.

In this book mathematical jargon is minimized. Our focus is on the three most classical PDEs, the wave, heat and Lapace equations. Advanced concepts are introduced frequently but with the least possible technicalities. The book is flexibly designed for juniors, seniors or beginning graduate students in science, engineering or mathematics.

Genres: Mathematics, Textbooks, Science, Reference, Nonfiction

464 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 1992

Reviews

[Sam Harder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book skips many intermediate steps in examples and proofs, which left me puzzled and frustrated many times. The author does this for the sake of mathematical elegance, but this approach can tend to leave behind students who haven’t already taken Real Analysis and a second course in Linear Algebra (Strauss’ Fourier Series chapter is dominated by Hilbert Spaces, inner products, and series convergence proofs). I understand that you must talk about those subjects with Fourier, but Strauss could’ve made it more accessible to undergrads and engineering students.

[EJ Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinion is that if you spend the time to deeply read a chapter of a math textbook it should reward you with conceptual understanding. Didn’t get that from this book. I often had to supplement my reading with more thorough explanations from other sources.

That’s not to say the book is bad — if you’re already comfortable with wave equations and very sharp on your calculus, analysis, and proof techniques you’ll probably find the abbreviations agreeable.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book was overall poorly written. Very few examples and explanations concerning partial differential equations even though it's supposed to be an introductory book.

Nevertheless, the principles and equations are revealed inside the book, they are not explained in a way that is easily understood. Some topics covered have no examples problems.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

lacked examples. a strong physics background is helpful. if you need a text or just want to learn, there are far better books out there.