The book uses only elementary mathematics; there are no theorems or proofs. Equally, the book does not rely on the construction "it may be shown that..." to avoid proper explanations. Theory is coupled, at every stage, with numerical experiments. Some of these are displayed, as figures and/or tables, and discussed in the text, but there are unlimited possibilities for the reader to engage in personal experimentation. In fact, many of the 180 student exercises require numerical experimentation for their proper execution. In this way the book is intended as a "hands-on" introduction to the subject.

Sample pages may be downloaded using the folowing links. They are provided purely for information. You may need Adobe Reader to read them. Copyright ©1999-2003 by Brian Davies. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents , Chapter 1 sample , Chapter 2 sample , Chapter 3 sample , Chapter 4 sample .

*The paperback edition has been significantly revised, particularly to reflect and incorporate enhancement of the software with which the book is integrated. The most significant additions are the ability to locate fixed points and periodic orbits of two-dimensional maps (including Poincaré sections), to determine their stability and visualize the types of bifurcation they undergo, and the ability to compute basins of attraction of Poincaré sections.

These pages are hosted by Mathematical Sciences Institute, ANU, and maintained by Brian Davies .

e-mail to Brian.Davies@anu.edu.au
Department of Mathematics
Mathematical Sciences Institute
Australian National University
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Australia
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