An Introduction to the Calculus of Variations

by Charles Fox

Book Overview

An understanding of variational methods, the source of such fundamental theorems as the principle of least action and its various generalizations, is essential to the study of mathematical physics and applied mathematics. In this highly regarded text, aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, the author develops the calculus of variations both for its own intrinsic interest and because of its wide and powerful applications...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486654990
• ISBN13: 9780486654997
• Release Date: October 2010
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Geared for classical mechanics

Good books on the calculus of variations are not thick on the ground, and this one is pretty good. It is organised around explicating Hamiltonian mechanics, but with mathematical rigor and clarity. Why not 5 stars then? Some proofs skip a lot of steps. There are not a lot of examples. The typesetting is from 509 years ago, with equations and so on in the text not on a separate line. There are few diagrams. If your interest is in physics this is a FAR better book to choose than Sagan.

Excellent Book on the Calculus of Variations

Thorough, concise, enjoyable and CHEAP book on the Calculus of variations. One of the few mathematics books that is simultaneously rigorous and entertaining. Illustrated with many examples and applications, drawn from physics and engineering. The proofs are brisk, though there is enough there to guide you on your way to complete understanding. A DEFINITE read for any mathematician or scientist!