Numerical methods are a mainstay of researchers and professionals across the many mathematics, scientific, and engineering disciplines. The importance of these methods combined with the power and widespread availability of desktop computers virtually demands that students in these fields be well-versed not only in the numerical techniques, but also in the use of a modern computational software package. An Introduction to Numerical Methods: A MATLAB Approachfulfills both these needs. Requiring only calculus and some basic programming concepts as background, it introduces readers to the theory and applications of the most commonly used techniques for solving numerical problems on a personal computer. It covers a wide range of useful algorithms, each presented with full details so that readers can visualize and interpret each step. The enclosed CD-ROM contains simple MATLAB functions that provide step-by-step explanations of the mechanisms behind the algorithm for each technique and guide readers through the necessary calculations. Emphasis on understanding how the methods work, a simple, direct style, and thorough coverage make this book an outstanding initiation that allows students to see almost immediate results. It will boost their confidence in their ability to master the subject and give them valuable experience in the use of MATLAB.

Abdelwahab Kharab is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Ronald B. Guenther is a Professor of Mathematics at Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA