Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra: A Systems Approach

Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra: A Systems approach helps students master both subject areas in a single semester course. Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and linear algebra are foundational post-calculus mathematics courses in the sciences. Linear algebra is developed first, with a focus on solving linear systems of ODEs. A computer algebra system is used for intermediate calculations (Gaussian elimination, complicated integrals, etc.); however, the text is not tailored toward a particular system.

Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra:

• Enables users to systematically develop the linear algebra needed to solve systems of ODEs;
• Includes over 15 distinct applications of the theory, many of which are not typically seen in a textbook at this level (e.g., lead poisoning, SIR models, digital filters);
• Emphasizes mathematical modeling and contains group projects at the end of each chapter that enables students to fully explore the interaction between the modeling of a system, the solution of the model, and the resulting physical description.

A supplemental set of MATLAB code files is available for download.