Differential Equations For Dummies

by Steven Holzner

The fun and easy way to understand and solve complex equations Many of the fundamental laws of physics, chemistry, biology, and economics can be formulated as differential equations. This plain-English guide explores the many applications of this mathematical tool and shows how differential equations can help us understand the world around us. Differential Equations For Dummies is the perfect companion for a college differential equations course and is an ideal supplemental resource for other calculus classes as well as science and engineering courses. It offers step-by-step techniques, practical tips, numerous exercises, and clear, concise examples to help readers improve their differential equation-solving skills and boost their test scores.

Genres: Mathematics, German Literature, Reference, Science

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[William Schram]

Differential Equations for Dummies is another book in the Dummies series and as such is made for the common man or common woman as the case may be. Dr. Steven Holzner explains the subject with panache and skill. Some of the parts can be skipped. For instance, the author discusses how to do Euler’s Method with a short program written in the Java Programming Language.

The author assumes some prior knowledge of Calculus, but this is a sensible thing to expect. If you are rusty with Calculus the author does explain some of its rules and techniques, but he dives in pretty quickly. The book is written in plain English and is sprinkled here and there with humor. It mostly comes in the form of a comic panel, but sometimes he comes up with an imaginary situation where you are the only person who can use Differential Equations, even though you are surrounded by Engineers and Scientists.

I do have some problems with this book but they aren’t that extreme. First and foremost, there are no workable problems. This might be because of the nature of the text, but I am not quite certain. The second is that the book contains links to websites and I don’t know how long they will last. Although, I suppose if you enter ‘Differential Equation Solver’ into your favorite Search Engine you will be pointed to some good resources.

[Ivan Koma]

That feeling when I couldn't understand differential equations beyond the first chapters, even for dummies (well, at least I'm not a dummie) I'll be trying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Al Capwned]

The For Dummies book that was the least useful to me, not helpful at all.

[Nate]

Even this book wasn't enough to prevent me having to retake DiffEQs :(

[Ben Kellermann]

The fun and easy way to understand and solve complex equations

Many of the fundamental laws of physics, chemistry, biology, and economics can be formulated as differential equations. This plain-English guide explores the many applications of this mathematical tool and shows how differential equations can help us understand the world around us. Differential Equations For Dummies is the perfect companion for a college differential equations course and is an ideal supplemental resource for other calculus classes as well as science and engineering courses. It offers step-by-step techniques, practical tips, numerous exercises, and clear, concise examples to help readers improve their differential equation-solving skills and boost their test scores.

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