Essentials Of Ordinary Differential Equations

Ordinary Differential Equations: Basics and Beyond

This book develops the theory of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), starting from an introductory level (with no prior experience in ODEs assumed) through to a graduate-level treatment of the qualitative theory, including bifurcation theory (but not chaos). While proofs are rigorous, the exposition is reader-friendly, aiming for the informality of face-to-face interactions. A unique feature of this book is the integration of rigorous theory with numerous applications of scientific interest. Besides providing motivation, this synthesis clarifies the theory and enhances scientific literacy. Other features include: (i) a wealth of exercises at various levels, along with commentary that explains why they matter; (ii) figures with consistent color conventions to identify nullclines, periodic orbits, stable and unstable manifolds; and (iii) a dedicated website with software templates, problem solutions, and other resources supporting the text (www.math.duke.edu/ode-book). Given its many applications, the book may be used comfortably in science and engineering courses as well as in mathematics courses. Its level is accessible to upper-level undergraduates but still appropriate for graduate students. The thoughtful presentation, which anticipates many confusions of beginning students, makes the book suitable for a teaching environment that emphasizes self-directed, active learning (including the so-called inverted classroom).

Essential Ordinary Differential Equations

This textbook offers an engaging account of the theory of ordinary differential equations intended for advanced undergraduate students of mathematics. Informed by the author’s extensive teaching experience, the book presents a series of carefully selected topics that, taken together, cover an essential body of knowledge in the field. Each topic is treated rigorously and in depth. The book begins with a thorough treatment of linear differential equations, including general boundary conditions and Green’s functions. The next chapters cover separable equations and other problems solvable by quadratures, series solutions of linear equations and matrix exponentials, culminating in Sturm–Liouville theory, an indispensable tool for partial differential equations and mathematical physics. The theoretical underpinnings of the material, namely, the existence and uniqueness of solutions and dependence on initial values, are treated at length. A noteworthy feature of this book is the inclusion of project sections, which go beyond the main text by introducing important further topics, guiding the student by alternating exercises and explanations. Designed to serve as the basis for a course for upper undergraduate students, the prerequisites for this book are a rigorous grounding in analysis (real and complex), multivariate calculus and linear algebra. Some familiarity with metric spaces is also helpful. The numerous exercises of the text provide ample opportunities for practice, and the aforementioned projects can be used for guided study. Some exercises have hints to help make the book suitable for independent study.fsfsfsscs

Essentials of Ordinary Differential Equations