An Introduction to Differential Equations and Their Applications (Dover Books on Mathematics)

Intended for use in a beginning one-semester course in differential equations | this text is designed for students of pure and applied mathematics with a working knowledge of algebra | trigonometry | and elementary calculus. Its mathematical rigor is balanced by complete but simple explanations that appeal to readers' physical and geometric intuition.Starting with an introduction to differential equations | the text proceeds to examinations of first- and second-order differential equations | series solutions | the Laplace transform | systems of differential equations | difference equations | nonlinear differential equations and chaos | and partial differential equations. Numerous figures | problems with solutions | and historical notes clarify the text.