The Theory of Differential Equations: Classical and Qualitative

by Walter Kelley, Allan C. Peterson

Kelley (U. of Oklahoma) and Peterson (U. of Nebraska) provide an engaging introduction to the subject for students who are familiar with basic calculus (previous experience with differential equations is not necessary, although the last two chapters require some undergraduate analysis). The first chapter introduces basic concepts and solution methods and important topics such as existence, uniqueness, equilibria, and bifurcations. Chapters two through four cover systems of linear equations, autonomous systems (a section using Mathematica is included), and perturbation methods. The next two chapters address classical subjects related to linear equations, such as self-adjointedness, disconjugacy, and Green's functions. Chapter seven looks at boundary value problems, and the final chapter presents a thorough discussion of underlying theoretical ideas along with classical theorems and their proofs. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

413 pages, Hardcover

First published July 18, 2003