Invitation to Dynamical Systems

A textbook on dynamical systems, for sophomore-junior level students who want to continue exploring mathematics beyond linear algebra, but who may not be ready for highly abstract material. It presents both the "classical" theory of linear systems and the "modern" theory of nonlinear and chaotic systems; works with both continuous and discrete time systems; integrates computing into the text; and includes a wide variety of topics, such as bifurcation, symbolic dynamics, fractals, and complex systems. A collection of programs written in MATLAB is available as a supplement. Four stunning color plates (2pp.). Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

With this unique book, Scheinerman invites readers from a wide range of backgrounds with limited technical prerequisites to explore the beauty and excitement of dynamical systems in particular, and of mathematics in general. The book is designed for readers who want to continue exploring mathematics beyond linear algebra, but are not ready for highly abstract material. Rather than taking a standard mathematical theorem-proof-corollary-remark approach to dynamical systems, it stresses the intuition, ideology, and appreciation that is open to everyone.