AN INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL ANALYSIS FOR ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERS by Christopher J. Zarowski pdf

The subject of numerical analysis has a long history. In fact, it predates by cen-turies the existence of the modern computer. Of course, the advent of the modern
computer in the middle of the twentieth century gave greatly added impetus to the
subject, and so it now plays a central role in a large part of engineering analysis,
simulation, and design. This is so true that no engineer can be deemed competent
without some knowledge and understanding of the subject. Because of the back-ground of the author, this book tends to emphasize issues of particular interest to
electrical and computer engineers, but the subject (and the present book) is certainly
relevant to engineers from all other branches of engineering.
Given the importance level of the subject, a great number of books have already
been written about it, and are now being written. These books span a colossal
range of approaches, levels of technical difficulty, degree of specialization, breadth
versus depth, and so on. So, why should this book be added to the already huge,
and growing list of available books?

To begin, the present book is intended to be a part of the students’ first exposure
to numerical analysis. As such, it is intended for use mainly in the second year
of a typical 4-year undergraduate engineering program. However, the book may
find use in later years of such a program. Generally, the present book arises out of
the author’s objections to educational practice regarding numerical analysis. To be
more specific
1. Some books adopt a “grocery list” or “recipes” approach (i.e., “methods” at
the expense of “analysis”) wherein several methods are presented, but with
little serious discussion of issues such as how they are obtained and their
relative advantages and disadvantages. In this genre often little consideration
is given to error analysis, convergence properties, or stability issues. When
these issues are considered, it is sometimes in a manner that is too superficial
for contemporary and future needs.
2. Some books fail to build on what the student is supposed to have learned
prior to taking a numerical analysis course. For example, it is common for
engineering students to take a first-year course in matrix/linear algebra. Yet,
a number of books miss the opportunity to build on this material in a manner
that would provide a good bridge from first year to more sophisticated uses
of matrix/linear algebra in later years (e.g., such as would be found in digital