Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences
1. Edition February 2000
XIV, 674 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Developed as part of the Flexible Learning Approach to Physics (FLAP) material, this work is designed to meet the changing backgrounds and requirements of today's physics students. FLAP material covers all the physics and mathematics required by most students in initial courses, making it a perfect introduction. Utilizing a carefully researched structure, this unique approach teaches all the mathematics need to introductory physical scientists by providing the reader with self-paced modules to allow flexibility in learning in a classroom setting or as a self-teaching guide. Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences is an introduction to the basic mathematics that students need. It assumes little prior knowledge, and starts from first principles. Concepts are gradually introduced, and students are helped by plentiful worked examples and then encouraged to attempt problems. For the more mathematically able, "fast track" questions are provided at the start of each module to assess the reader's level of understanding, and enabling them to miss out those sections they feel they understand.
Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences provides a thorough introduction to the essential mathematical techniques needed in the physical sciences. Carefully structured as a series of self-paced and self-contained chapters, this text covers the basic techniques on which more advanced material is built. Starting with arithmetic and algebra, the text then moves on to cover basic elements of geometry, vector algebra, differentiation and finally integration, all within an applied environment. The reader is guided through these different techniques with the help of numerous worked examples, applications, problems, figures, and summaries. The authors aim to provide high-quality and thoroughly class-tested material to meet the changing needs of science students. Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences:
* Is a carefully structured text, with self-contained chapters.
* Gradually introduces mathematical techniques within an applied environment.
* Includes many worked examples, applications, problems, and summaries in each chapter.
Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences will be invaluable to all students of physics, chemistry and engineering, needing to develop or refresh their knowledge of basic mathematics. The book's structure will make it equally valuable for course use, home study or distance learning.
Introducing Arithmetic and Algebra.
Numbers, Units and Physical Quantities.
Functions and Graphs.
Solving Equations.
Trigonometric Functions.
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions.
Hyperbolic Functions.
BASIC GEOMETRY.
Introducing Geometry.
Coordinate Geometry.
Conic Sections.
BASIC VECTOR ALGEBRA.
Introducing Scalars and Vectors.
Working with Vectors.
BASIC DIFFERENTIATION.
Introducing Differentiation.
Differentiating Simple Functions.
Differentiating Composite Functions.
Stationary Points and Graph Sketching.
BASIC INTEGRATION.
Introducing Integration.
Integrating Simple Functions.
Integrating by Parts and by Substitution.
Appendix.
Answers and Comments.
Index.
