All You Wanted to Know about Mathematics But Were Afraid to Ask

Physics and engineering students need a clear understanding of mathematics in order to solve a vast array of problems posed to them in coursework. Unfortunately in many textbooks mathematical proofs and techniques obscure a fundamental understanding of the physical principles. In a clear and didactic manner this book explains to the student why particular advanced mathematical techniques are useful for solving certain problems. The aim is to convey a deeper appreciation of mathematical methods that are applicable to physics and engineering through a discussion of a wide range of real physical problems. The topics covered include simultaneous equations three-dimensional geometry and vectors complex numbers differential equations partial derivatives Taylor series and Lagrange multipliers.