| A computer algebra system (CAS) not only has the ability to "crunch numbers" and plot results, like traditional computing languages such as Fortran and C, but it can also perform the symbolic manipulations and analytic derivations required in most undergraduate and graduate science and engineering courses. To introduce students in these disciplines to mathematical modeling and computation using a CAS, the authors have previously published Computer Algebra Recipes: A Gourmet ^s Guide to the Mathematical Models of Science, based on the Maple CAS. Judging by course evaluations and reader feedback, the response to this book and the CAS approach has been quite favorable. After observing students' enthusiasm, their higher quality of work, their ability to solve more realistic problems, and best of all, their ability to answer "what if?" questions, we believe that the importance of using a CAS in learning and exploring mathematically based science subjects cannot be overstated.
With the release of new, more powerful, versions of the Maple CAS since the first edition was published and the accumulation of many insightful comments and helpful suggestions from readers of the text, it seemed timely to produce a second edition. However, incorporating the necessary changes and suggestions would make an already lengthy book even longer, so the topics of the first edition have been reorganized and expanded into two new standalone volumes based on the expected mathematical level of the reader. |
