From Calculus to Chaos: An Introduction to Dynamics

David Acheson, "From Calculus to Chaos: An Introduction to Dynamics" Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA | Pages:280 | ISBN: 0198500777 | DjVu | 2.38 MB

How - and why - do things change with time? That is the central question of dynamics, which lies at the heart of much of applied mathematics, science and engineering. This book takes a fresh approach to the subject as a whole. This book is a highly readable and well- illustrated introduction to dynamics from Newton's time to the present day. It inspires and stimulates interest in the subject using clear vivid examples of the most important and interesting ideas; these ideas can get lost amid a snowstorm of detail in conventional texts. The intended readership is very wide (only calculus is assumed): Acheson provides a fascinating foretaste of some of the most remarkable ideas in dynamics to a novice readership. Simple, introductory computer programs (suitable for readers with no previous computing experience) accompany many conventional exercises (with full solutions). Acheson's book will inspire new students and supply the positive reasons needed to encourage further and more detailed study.