Richard H. Enns, «Computer Algebra Recipes for Mathematical Physics»

Over two hundred novel and innovative computer algebra worksheets or "recipes" will enable readers in engineering, physics, and mathematics to easily and rapidly solve and explore most problems they encounter in their mathematical physics studies. While the aim of this text is to illustrate applications, a brief synopsis of the fundamentals for each topic is presented, the topics being organized to correlate with those found in traditional mathematical physics texts. The recipes are presented in the form of stories and anecdotes, a pedagogical approach that makes a mathematically challenging subject easier and more fun to learn. Key features: * Uses the MAPLE computer algebra system to allow the reader to easily and quickly change the mathematical models and the parameters and then generate new answers * No prior knowledge of MAPLE is assumed; the relevant MAPLE commands are introduced on a need-to-know basis * All recipes are contained on a CD-ROM provided with the text * All MAPLE commands are indexed for easy reference * A classroom-tested story/anecdote format is used, accompanied with amusing or thought-provoking quotations * Study problems, which are presented as Supplementary Recipes