Mathematica®: A Problem-Centered Approach

Description

Mathematica®: A Problem-Centered Approach introduces the vast array of features and powerful mathematical functions of Mathematica using a multitude of clearly presented examples and worked- out problems. Each section starts with a description of a new topic and some basic examples. The author then demonstrates the use of new commands through three categories of problems - the first category highlights those essential parts of the text that demonstrate the use of new commands in Mathematica whilst solving each problem presented; - the second comprises problems that further demonstrate the use of commands previously introduced to tackle different situations; and - the third presents more challenging problems for further study. The intention is to enable the reader to learn from the codes, thus avoiding long and exhausting explanations. While based on a computer algebra course taught to undergraduate students of mathematics, science, engineering and finance, the book also includes chapters on calculus and solving equations, and graphics, thus covering all the basic topics in Mathematica. With its strong focus upon programming and problem solving, and an emphasis on using numerical problems that do not need any particular background in mathematics, this book is also ideal for self-study and as an introduction to researchers who wish to use Mathematica as a computational tool. Mathematica®: A Problem-Centered Approach comes with a free 30 day trial of the Wolfram Mathematica(R) software. Front Matter....Pages I-XIV Introduction....Pages 1-18 Defining functions....Pages 19-24 Lists....Pages 25-46 Changing heads!....Pages 47-53 A bit of logic and set theory....Pages 54-64 Sums and products....Pages 65-71 Loops and repetitions....Pages 72-95 Substitution, Mathematica rules....Pages 96-99 Pattern matching....Pages 100-111 Functions with multiple definitions....Pages 112-120 Recursive functions....Pages 121-126 Linear algebra....Pages 127-134 Graphics....Pages 135-157 Calculus and equations....Pages 158-168 Solutions to the Exercises....Pages 169-183 Back Matter....Pages 184-188