Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applications

Preface

This book is intended to provide first-year engineering students with a comprehensive introduction to the application of mathematics in engineering. This includes math topics ranging from precalculus and trigonometry through calculus and differential equations, with all topics set in the context of an engineering application. Specific math topics include linear and quadratic equations, trigonometry, 2-D vectors, complex numbers, sinusoids and harmonic signals, systems of equations and matrices, derivatives, integrals, and differential equations. However, these topics are covered only to the extent that they are actually used in core first- and second-year engineering courses, including physics, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, and electric circuits, with occasional applications from upper-division courses. Additional motivation is provided by a wide range of worked examples and homework problems representing a variety of popular engineering disciplines.

While this book provides a comprehensive introduction to both the math topics and their engineering applications, it provides comprehensive coverage of neither. As such, it is not intended to be a replacement for any traditional math or engineering textbook. It is more like an advertisement or movie trailer. Indeed, everything covered in this book will be covered again in either an engineering or mathematics classroom. This gives the instructor an enormous amount of freedom – the freedom to integrate math ...