Partial Differential Equations through Examples and Exercises

This book examines the complicated subject of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). It involves the reader throughout by presenting theory, examples and exercises together. Both the classical and abstract aspects of the theory are dealt with, so that, for example, classical and generalised solutions in Sobolev and distribution spaces are treated. Most of the work is devoted to second or higher order PDEs; part of the distribution theory is included, covering Dirac's delta distribution delta function. Many practical tools are offered for solving important problems with the basic three PDEs, namely the wave equation, the Laplace equation, the heat equation and their generalizations. The majority of the problems are mathematical in character, although often physical interpretations are given. This volume is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, physics technology and economics interested in PDEs for modelling complex systems.