Modern computing tools like Maple (symbolic computation) and Matlab (a numeric computation and visualization program) make it possible to easily solve realistic nontrivial problems in scientific computing. In education, traditionally, complicated problems were avoided, since the amount of work for obtaining the solutions was not feasible for the students. This situation has changed now, and the students can be taught real-life problems that they can actually solve using the new powerful software. The reader will improve his knowledge through learning by examples and he will learn how both systems, MATLAB and MAPLE, may be used to solve problems interactively in an elegant way. Readers will learn to solve similar problems by understanding and applying the techniques presented in the book. All programs used in the book are available to the reader in electronic form.
From the reviews:
"... The idea to present mathematical modeling, numerical algorithms, and their implementation as cornerstones of scientifc computing is accomplished in a unique way. This book constitutes a valuable source of topics, problems, and methods for the teacher who wants to teach numerical algorithms in a project oriented style. For beginners or even experienced users in computational science the book is an excellent entry point to the world of high and mathematical tools beyond the introductory textbook level."
J.Wensch, ZAMM, Z. Angew. Math. Mech. 85, No. 8, 538 (2005)
".. An excellent reference on undergraduate mathematical computing." American Mathematical Monthly; "... manuals for such systems (Maple and MATLAB) tend to use trivial examples, making it difficult for new users of such systems to quickly apply their power to real problems. The authors have written a good book to address this need. ... the book is worth buying if you want guidance in applying Maple and MATLAB to problems in the workplace..."
Computing Reviews
".. The presentation is unique, and extremely interesting. I was thrilled to read this text, and to learn the powerful problem-solving skills presented by these authors. I recommend the text highly, as a learning experience, not only to engineering students, but also to anyone interested in computation."
Mathematics of Computation
From the reviews of the fourth edition:
"[...] The book is intended primarily for students of engineering and scientific computing but it can be useful also for students in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics and economy. It can be highly recommended as a support for all who are studying or teaching mathematical modelling and numerical methods and is interested in modern computation."
I.Gavrilyuk, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Analysis und Ihre Anwendungen, Vol. 24, Issue 4, 2005
"The book aims at teachers and students in mathematics, sciences, and engineering ... . The idea to present mathematical modeling, numerical algorithms, and their implementation as cornerstones of scientific computing is accomplished in a unique way. This book constitutes a valuable source of topics, problems, and methods for the teacher ... . For beginners or even experienced users in computational science the book is an excellent entry point to the world of high end mathematical tools beyond the introductory textbook level."
J. Wensch, Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, (85) 8, 2005
