Multivariable Calculus and Mathematica®: With Applications to Geometry and Physics (Lecture Notes in Computer Sci.;1376) - Softcover

Coombes, Kevin R.; Lipsman, Ronald L.; Rosenberg, Jonathan M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0387983600 ISBN 13: 9780387983608

Publisher: Springer, 1998

Synopsis

One of the authors' stated goals for this publication is to "modernize" the course through the integration of Mathematica. Besides introducing students to the multivariable uses of Mathematica, and instructing them on how to use it as a tool in simplifying calculations, they also present intoductions to geometry, mathematical physics, and kinematics, topics of particular interest to engineering and physical science students. In using Mathematica as a tool, the authors take pains not to use it simply to define things as a whole bunch of new "gadgets" streamlined to the taste of the authors, but rather they exploit the tremendous resources built into the program. They also make it clear that Mathematica is not algorithms. At the same time, they clearly see the ways in which Mathematica can make things cleaner, clearer and simpler. The problem sets give students an opportunity to practice their newly learned skills, covering simple calculations with Mathematica, simple plots, a review of one-variable calculus using Mathematica for symbolic differentiation, integration and numberical integration. They also cover the practice of incorporating text and headings into a Mathematica notebook. A DOS-formatted diskette accompanies the printed work, containing both Mathematica 2.2 and 3.0 version notebooks, as well as sample examination problems for students. This supplementary work can be used with any standard multivariable calculus textbook. It is assumed that in most cases students will also have access to an introductory primer for Mathematica.

About this title

Product Description

Multivariable Calculus And Mathematica - With Applications To Geometry And Physics

From the Author

supplement for multivariable calculus for sci./eng. students
This book is intended as a supplement for a multivariable calculus course for science and engineering students, or for a postcalculus course in mathematical methods. The Mathematica software package is used throughout. We use its graphical capabilities to draw pictures of curves and surfaces; we use its symbolical capabilities to compute curvature and torsion; we use its numerical capabilities to tackle problems that are well beyond the typical mundane examples of textbooks that treat the subject without using a computer. As an added convenience for the user, we have included with this book a computer disk, where the Mathematica programs used in the text are reproduced. We think this book is special because, by using it:

Students obtain a better understanding of the traditional material;

Students see the deep connections between mathematics and science;

Students learn more about the geometry of curves and surfaces;

Students acquire skill using Mathematica, a powerful piece of modern software; and

Instructors can choose from a more exciting variety of problems than in standard textbooks.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387983600
• ISBN 13: 9780387983608
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296