Multivariable Calculus with Applications - (Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics) by Peter D Lax & Maria Shea Terrell (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This text in multivariable calculus fosters comprehension through meaningful explanations. Written with students in mathematics, the physical sciences, and engineering in mind, it extends concepts from single variable calculus such as derivative, integral, and important theorems to partial derivatives, multiple integrals, Stokes' and divergence theorems. Students with a background in single variable calculus are guided through a variety of problem solving techniques and practice problems.

Examples from the physical sciences are utilized to highlight the essential relationship between calculus and modern science. The symbiotic relationship between science and mathematics is shown by deriving and discussing several conservation laws, and vector calculus is utilized to describe a number of physical theories via partial differential equations. Students will learn that mathematics is the language that enables scientific ideas to be precisely formulated and that science is a source for the development of mathematics.

From the Back Cover

This text in multivariable calculus fosters comprehension through meaningful explanations. Written with students in mathematics, the physical sciences, and engineering in mind, it extends concepts from single variable calculus such as derivative, integral, and important theorems to partial derivatives, multiple integrals, Stokes' and divergence theorems. Students with a background in single variable calculus are guided through a variety of problem solving techniques and practice problems.

Examples from the physical sciences are utilized to highlight the essential relationship between calculus and modern science. The symbiotic relationship between science and mathematics is shown by deriving and discussing several conservation laws, and vector calculus is utilized to describe a number of physical theories via partial differential equations. Students will learn that mathematics is the language that enables scientific ideas to be precisely formulated and that science is a source for the development of mathematics.

Review Quotes

"The presentation of the material is guided by applications so that physics and engineering students will find the text engaging and see the relevance of multivariable calculus to their work. The text contains over 500 exercises with answers and/or solutions to half provided at the back of the book, enabling students to gauge their understanding of the content as they proceed. A well-written, engaging text. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and professionals." (J. T. Zerger, Choice, Vol. 56 (03), November, 2018)
"This book belongs to a collection aimed at third- and fourth-year undergraduate mathematics students at North American universities. ... There are more than 200 figures to help the reader to understand the explanations and about 500 problems. ... I think this book can be recommended since, moreover, it is very pedagogical." (Richard Becker, Mathematical Reviews, October, 2018)
"Lax and Terrell's sequel to their Calculus With Applications presents a first course in multivariable calculus that fits in just over 400 pages. Even instructors who use standard texts will find much of value in this refreshing first edition. The book is written with a wide range of STEM students in mind, and its exposition remains remarkably fluid without scarificing precision. Every section of each chapter ends with an excellent collection of exercises, which should be graciously welcomed by independent learners and instructors alike." (Tushar Das, MAA Reviews, September, 2018)
"The main achievement of the authors is that they essentially have simplified the teaching of the old topics to make a place for new ones. The proofs are exposited to encourage understanding, not meaningless rigor. ... the presented book is a useful tool for all mathematicians (not only for students) and I find it regrettable that this book was not written when I was a student." (Andrey Zahariev, zbMATH 1396.26002, 2018)

About the Author

Peter D. Lax is currently an Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Maria Shea Terrell is currently a retired Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at Cornell University.