This book presents a clear and well-organised treatment of the concepts behind the development of mathematics and numerical techniques. Based on the author’s notes from his one-semester course taught at many universities around the world, it is primarily intended for undergraduates in electrical, mechanical, chemical and civil engineering, physics, applied mathematics and computer science. Many sections are also directly relevant to graduate students in the mathematical and physical sciences.

In this computer age, classical mathematics may sometimes appear less relevant. However, a solid understanding of the underlying mathematics is necessary in order to avoid gross errors in computer solutions. The central topic of this text is numerical methods and the calculus of variations to physical problems.

More than 100 solved problems with detailed derivations are included. Approximately 120 exercises are also featured, together with solution hints and answers. The book is accompanied by a CD-ROM.