Multivariable Calculus with Mathematica

Reviews / Votes

"In Multivariable Calculus with Mathematica, authors [. . .] successfully create an textbook that engages with the material typically present in a Calculus III course (as well as some advanced topics discussed below), while simultaneously introducing students to Mathematica. They ensure that students are not only using the Mathematica to directly solve problems, but learn to write codes from scratch as they work through examples. And they write the text in a prose that stays engaging, pertinent to students' interests, and encouraging as students work to understand challenging mathematical ideas. In these ways, the authors have created a successful text that would be suitable as a main textbook for a Calculus III course.

The text offers a robust look at the usual topics present in a Calculus III course. It begins with a treatment of vectors in R 3 and includes sections on Curves and Surfaces, Functions of Several Variables, Differential Calculus in Multiple Variables, Multiple Integrals, and Vector Calculus. I especially liked section 6.6: Applications of Gauss' and Stokes' Theorems, as these application topics can be underserved or left out from other texts due to time constraints. The final two chapters in this text focus on Tensor Analysis and Partial Differential Equations, including topics such as Riemannian space, covariant and contravariant tensors, the Christoffel symbols, and measurements of curvature. These final chapters deviate from the traditional Calculus III topics and provide the students with a unique introduction to material not typically taught until a graduate level course.

Mathematica is used well throughout the textbook. [. . .] Beyond Mathematica, the text also includes a number of features that benefit the reader. There are a number of clear and illuminating images of multivariable functions, quadric surfaces, doubly connected vs simply connected domains, and solutions to various exercises. At the end of each section, there are problems for students to try out their theoretical skills and there are computer algebra problems that test the student's ability to apply the concepts learned.

The authors have taken a great deal of time, effort, and consideration to the standard topics covered in most Calculus III courses and have related the problems to Mathematica. It is a well-written book that can be used by many colleges and universities across many different types of courses. [. . .] I highly recommend this text for those instructors who are teaching such upper level courses or need ideas for an independent study for students."
- Mathematical Association of America

"This is an absolutely first-rank textbook in multivariable calculus. This book is not only for undergraduate students, but is also a good reference for scientists, especially engineers. It not only discusses scientific computing skills, but also the complete understanding of calculus.

I particularly like the material in Chapters 7 and 8. These two chapters discuss Elements of tensor analysis and partial differential equations. These two chapters help students (and researchers) to build up a solid background for modern analysis. I highly recommend this book"
- Der-Chen Chang, McDevitt Chair in Mathematics and Computer Science and Senior Advisor to the Provost for China Initiatives, Georgetown University

"This is a well-designed textbook on undergraduate multivariable calculus covering all topics usually included in third year calculus courses. Carefully selected examples from mechanics and electromagnetic theory provide links between multivariable calculus and applied sciences, while the last two chapters cover elements of tensor analysis and partial differential equations, and can be used in high-level undergraduate and introductory graduate courses. An amazing feature of the book is an integrated collection of Mathematica sessions that help students to learn and understand basic concepts and methods."
- Alexander Pankov, Professor, Morgan State University

"Under the philosophical principle: "Mathematics feeds Mathematica", this highly innovative Calculus III textbook prepares students for a comprehensive mathematical understanding of the subject matter coupled with programming skills."
- Roberto Triggiani, Distinguished University Professor, The University of Memphis and Emeritus Professor of Mathematics University of Virginia

"This textbook for third semester students gains a lot from R.P. Gilbert's background as a scholar of both physics and mathematics as well as from his two co-authors, Y. Ou and M. Shoushani, who were his doctoral students and continue as his research associates today. Most of the Mathematica sessions in the book, and the numerous exercises and examples, are from mathematical physics. These examples provide useful information about physics, frequently ignored today, which helps in understanding their applications in mathematics. In addition to the standard content of multivariable calculus, tensor analysis and partial differential equations are also included."
- Heinrich Begehr, FU Berlin