Computer Algebra Recipes: A Gourmet’s Guide to the Mathematical Models of Science (Undergraduate Texts in Contemporary Physics) - Hardcover

Enns, Richard; McGuire, George C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387951482 ISBN 13: 9780387951485

Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc., 2001

Synopsis

Computer algebra systems allow students to work on mathematical models more efficiently than in the case of pencil and paper. The use of such systems also leads to fewer errors and enables students to work on complex and computationally intensive models. Aimed at undergraduates in their second or third year, this book is filled with examples from a wide variety of disciplines, including biology, economics, medicine, engineering, game theory, physics, and chemistry. The text includes a large number of Maple(R) recipes.

About this title

Review

From the reviews:

"In the book, the authors are showing the reader what they can do with Maple 6, and they can do a lot. Simply flipping the pages of the book, the reader might get very inspired by the formulas and pictures. ...  Most of the text I covered up to now contains useful and exciting examples ... . the book is definitely very useful for educators ... ." (L. Kocbach, Computer Physics Communications, Vol. 144, 2002)

"This book captures the essence of the CAS approach and it is the best book of its kind that I am aware of. The level of mathematics, the eclectic, abundant and carefully selected problem set, the friendly and expansive text and the clear demonstration of the power of the CAS approach all add up to a first rate book. ... I highly recommend that you get your library to order a copy." (B.I. Henry, The Physicist, Vol. 39 (2), 2002)

"This book is a readable introduction to Maple, a computer algebra system. The authors present real life situations, describe them in the language of mathematics, and then use Maple to find or deduce conclusions, predictions and classifications of each of these situations." (Václav Koubek, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 976, 2002)

From the Back Cover

Modern computer algebra systems are revolutionizing the teaching and learning of mathematically intensive subjects in science and engineering, enabling students to explore increasingly complex and computationally intensive models that provide analytic solutions, animated numerical solutions, and complex two- and three-dimensional graphic displays.
This self-contained text benefits from a spiral structure that regularly revisits the general topics of graphics, symbolic computation, and numerical simulation with increasing intricacy at each turn. The text is built around a large number of computer algebra worksheets or "recipes" that have been designed using MAPLE to provide tools for problem solving and to stimulate critical thinking. No prior knowledge of MAPLE is assumed. All relevant commands are introduced on a need-to-know basis and are indexed for easy reference. Each recipe is associated with a scientific model or method and an interesting or amusing story designed to both entertain and enhance concept comprehension and retention. All recipes are included on the CD-ROM enclosed with the book.
Aimed at third- and fourth-year undergraduates in science and engineering, the text contains numerous examples in disciplines that will challenge students progressing in mathematics, physics, engineering, game theory, and physical chemistry. Computer Algebra Recipes: An Advanced Guide to Mathematical Modeling can serve as an effective computational science text, with a set of problems following each section of recipes to enable readers to apply and confirm their understanding. The book may also be used as a reference, for self-study, or as the basis of an online course.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387951482
• ISBN 13: 9780387951485
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 792