Having the right answer doesn't guarantee understanding. This book helps physics students learn to take an informed and intuitive approach to solving problems. It assists undergraduates in developing their skills and provides them with grounding in important mathematical methods.Starting with a review of basic mathematics, the author presents a thorough analysis of infinite series, complex algebra, differential equations, and Fourier series. Succeeding chapters explore vector spaces, operators and matrices, multi-variable and vector calculus, partial differential equations, numerical and complex analysis, and tensors. Additional topics include complex variables, Fourier analysis, the calculus of variations, and densities and distributions. An excellent math reference guide, this volume is also a helpful companion for physics students as they work through their assignments.
An engagingly-written account of mathematical tools and ideas, this book provides a graduate-level introduction to the mathematics used in research in physics. The first half of the book focuses on the traditional mathematical methods of physics – differential and integral equations, Fourier series and the calculus of variations. The second half contains an introduction to more advanced subjects, including differential geometry, topology and complex variables. The authors' exposition avoids excess rigor whilst explaining subtle but important points often glossed over in more elementary texts. The topics are illustrated at every stage by carefully chosen examples, exercises and problems drawn from realistic physics settings. These make it useful both as a textbook in advanced courses and for self-study. Password-protected solutions to the exercises are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521854030.
Graduate-level text offers unified treatment of mathematics applicable to many branches of physics. Theory of vector spaces, analytic function theory, theory of integral equations, group theory, and more. Many problems. Bibliography.
Where did math come from? Who thought up all those algebra symbols, and why? What is the story behind π π? … negative numbers? … the metric system? … quadratic equations? … sine and cosine? … logs? The 30 independent historical sketches in Math through the Ages answer these questions and many others in an informal, easygoing style that is accessible to teachers, students, and anyone who is curious about the history of mathematical ideas. Each sketch includes Questions and Projects to help you learn more about its topic and to see how the main ideas fit into the bigger picture of history. The 30 short stories are preceded by a 58-page bird's-eye overview of the entire panorama of mathematical history, a whirlwind tour of the most important people, events, and trends that shaped the mathematics we know today. “What to Read Next” and reading suggestions after each sketch provide starting points for readers who want to learn more. This book is ideal for a broad spectrum of audiences, including students in history of mathematics courses at the late high school or early college level, pre-service and in-service teachers, and anyone who just wants to know a little more about the origins of mathematics.
Practical text focuses on fundamental applied math needed to deal with physics and engineering problems: elementary vector calculus, special functions of mathematical physics, calculus of variations, much more. 1968 edition.