Basic Insights In Vector Calculus With A Supplement On Mathematical Understanding

Basic Insights In Vector Calculus: With A Supplement On Mathematical Understanding

Basic Insights in Vector Calculus provides an introduction to three famous theorems of vector calculus, Green's theorem, Stokes' theorem and the divergence theorem (also known as Gauss's theorem). Material is presented so that results emerge in a natural way. As in classical physics, we begin with descriptions of flows.The book will be helpful for undergraduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, in programs that require vector calculus. At the same time, it also provides some of the mathematical background essential for more advanced contexts which include, for instance, the physics and engineering of continuous media and fields, axiomatically rigorous vector analysis, and the mathematical theory of differential forms.There is a Supplement on mathematical understanding. The approach invites one to advert to one's own experience in mathematics and, that way, identify elements of understanding that emerge in all levels of learning and teaching.Prerequisites are competence in single-variable calculus. Some familiarity with partial derivatives and the multi-variable chain rule would be helpful. But for the convenience of the reader we review essentials of single- and multi-variable calculus needed for the three main theorems of vector calculus.Carefully developed Problems and Exercises are included, for many of which guidance or hints are provided.

Basic Insights in Vector Calculus

A Guided Tour of Mathematical Methods

Mathematical methods are essential tools for all physical scientists. This second edition provides a comprehensive tour of the mathematical knowledge and techniques that are needed by students in this area. In contrast to more traditional textbooks, all the material is presented in the form of problems. Within these problems the basic mathematical theory and its physical applications are well integrated. The mathematical insights that the student acquires are therefore driven by their physical insight. Topics that are covered include vector calculus, linear algebra, Fourier analysis, scale analysis, complex integration, Green's functions, normal modes, tensor calculus and perturbation theory. The second edition contains new chapters on dimensional analysis, variational calculus, and the asymptotic evaluation of integrals. This book can be used by undergraduates and lower-level graduate students in the physical sciences. It can serve as a stand-alone text, or as a source of problems and examples to complement other textbooks.