This textbook is an introduction to Scientific Computing, in which several numerical methods for the computer solution of certain classes of mathematical problems are illustrated. The authors show how to compute the zeros or the integrals of continuous functions, solve linear systems, approximate functions by polynomials and construct accurate approximations for the solution of differential equations. To make the presentation concrete and appealing, the programming environment Matlab is adopted as a faithful companion. All the algorithms introduced throughout the book are shown, thus furnishing an immediate quantitative assessment of their theoretical properties such as stability, accuracy and complexity. The book also contains the solution to several problems raised through exercises and examples, often originating from specific applications. A specific section is devoted to subjects which were not addressed in the book and indicate the bibliographical references for a more comprehensive treatment of the material.
From the reviews:
“Can be used either as a complement to a basic or more advanced course in numerical analysis, or as a do-book for a short and practical introduction to the subject ... . closing section of each chapter is a list of exercises, adapted to the level of the reader. ... exercises are essential because the emphasis is clearly on the practical implementation ... . after working through this book, the reader is brought to a relatively experienced lower step up the ladder of scientific computing.” (Adhemar Bultheel, Bulletin of the Belgian Mathematical Society, Vol. 15 (1), 2008)