Review
"Despite public interest, it has been difficult to find a suitable introductory book on chaos for mathematics students. In 'From Calculus to Chaos', David Acheson manages to bridge the gap, tie the topic into the undergraduate curriculum, throw in some history and practical techniques, and tell readers about an experimental basis of dynamical systems theory--all this without being stuffy."--New Scientist
"This is a thoroughly excellent little book and a most valuable addition to the literature on dynamics. Its approach is quite unique, bringing together a vast range of real physical phenomena and elucidating the essential dynamics by means of well chosen toy models in the form of differential equations. All the necessary analytical techniques are slipped in with the minimum of fuss, and numerical methods are employed throughout in such a way that the reader is encouraged to use the computer as an experimental tool. . . .the book deserves a place on the shelves of all serious
Product Description
What is calculus really for? This book is a highly readable introduction to applications of calculus, from Newton's time to the present day. These often involve questions of dynamics, i.e. of how - and why - things change with time. Problems of this kind lie at the heart of much of applied mathematics, physics, and engineering. From Calculus to Chaos takes a fresh approach to the subject as a whole, by moving from first steps to the frontiers, and by highlighting only the most important and interesting ideas, which can get lost amid a snowstorm of detail in conventional texts. The book is aimed at a wide readership, and assumes only some knowledge of elementary calculus. There are exercises (with full solutions) and simple but powerful computer programs which are suitable even for readers with no previous computing experience. David Acheson's book will inspire new students by providing a foretaste of more advanced mathematics and showing just how interesting the subject can be.
About the Author
Dr D.J. Acheson Jesus College Oxford OX1 3DW Tel: 01865 279700 Fax: 01865 279687 Email: david.acheson@jesus.ox.ac.uk
