An introduction to numerical methods : a MATLAB approach Preface This is a textbook designed for an introductory course in numerical methods. It deals with the theory and application of the most commonly used numerical methods for solving numerical problems on microcomputers. It is intended for students in mathematics science and engineering who have completed the introductory calculus sequence. In addition the reader is assumed to have taken a structured programming course. The thrust of this text is to assist the students to become familiar with the most common numerical methods encountered in science and engineering. The content material of this book has been designed to be compatible with any introductory numerical textbook that exists in the market. Students will be able to examine and solve many numerical problems using MatlabR 1 in a short period of time. Due to the rapid advancement of computer technology and software developments we have used Matlab as the computing environment throughout all the chapters of the book. Each numerical method discussed in this book is demonstrated through the use of Matlab which is easy to use and has many features such as: 1. Powerful matrix structure 2. Powerful two and three dimensional graphing facilities 3. A vast number of powerful built in functions 4. Matlabs structured programming style that resembles FORTRAN and BASIC. 1Matlab R is a registered trademark of the MathWorks Inc. Please note where we have referenced Matlab throughout this book the logo should be Matlab. For product information please contact: The MathWorks Inc. 3 Apple Hill Drive Natick MA 01760 2098 USA Tel: 508 647 7000 Fax: 508 647 7001 Provided by publisher Highly recommended by CHOICE previous editions of this popular textbook offered an accessible and practical introduction to numerical analysis. An Introduction to Numerical Methods: A MATLAB℗ʼ Approach Third Edition continues to present a wide range of useful and important algorithms for scientific and engineering applications. The authors use MATLAB to illustrate each numerical method providing full details of the computer results so that the main steps are easily visualized and interpreted.New to the Third EditionA chapter on the numerical solution of integral equationsA section on nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) in the last chapterInclusion of MATLAB GUIs throughout the textThe book begins with simple theoretical and computational topics including computer floating point arithmetic errors interval arithmetic and the root of equations. After presenting direct and iterative methods for solving systems of linear equations the authors discuss interpolation spline functions concepts of least squares data fitting and numerical optimization. They then focus on numerical differentiation and efficient integration techniques as well as a variety of numerical techniques for solving linear integral equations ordinary differential equations and boundary value problems. The book concludes with numerical techniques for computing the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix and for solving PDEs.CD ROM ResourceThe accompanying CD ROM contains simple MATLAB functions that help students understand how the methods work. These functions provide a clear step by step explanation of the mechanism behind the algorithm of each numerical method and guide students through the calculations necessary to understand the algorithm.Written in an easy to follow simple style this text improves students ability to master the theoretical and practical elements of the methods. Through this book they will be able to solve many numerical problems using MATLAB Provided by publisher