This brief modern introduction to the subject of ordinary differential equations emphasizes stability theory. Concisely and lucidly expressed, it is intended as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students who have completed a first course in ordinary differential equations. The author begins by developing the notions of a fundamental system of solutions, the Wronskian, and the corresponding fundamental matrix. Subsequent chapters explore the linear equation with constant coefficients, stability theory for autonomous and nonautonomous systems, and the problems of the existence and uniqueness of solutions and related topics. Problems at the end of each chapter and two Appendixes on special topics enrich the text.

Providing readers with the very basic knowledge necessary to begin research on differential equations with professional ability, the selection of topics here covers the methods and results that are applicable in a variety of different fields. The book is divided into four parts. The first covers fundamental existence, uniqueness, smoothness with respect to data, and nonuniqueness. The second part describes the basic results concerning linear differential equations, while the third deals with nonlinear equations. In the last part the authors write about the basic results concerning power series solutions. Each chapter begins with a brief discussion of its contents and history, and hints and comments for many problems are given throughout. With 114 illustrations and 206 exercises, the book is suitable for a one-year graduate course, as well as a reference book for research mathematicians.

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations. It includes a discussion of the existence and uniqueness of solutions, phase portraits, linear equations, stability theory, hyperbolicity and equations in the plane. The emphasis is primarily on results and methods that allow one to analyze qualitative properties of the solutions without solving the equations explicitly. The text includes numerous examples that illustrate in detail the new concepts and results as well as exercises at the end of each chapter. The book is also intended to serve as a bridge to important topics that are often left out of a course on ordinary differential equations. In particular, it provides brief introductions to bifurcation theory, center manifolds, normal forms and Hamiltonian systems.

Superb, self-contained graduate-level text covers standard theorems concerning linear systems, existence and uniqueness of solutions, and dependence on parameters. Focuses on stability theory and its applications to oscillation phenomena, self-excited oscillations, more. Includes exercises.

Skillfully organized introductory text examines origin of differential equations, then defines basic terms and outlines the general solution of a differential equation. Subsequent sections deal with integrating factors; dilution and accretion problems; linearization of first order systems; Laplace Transforms; Newton's Interpolation Formulas, more.

Since the first edition of this book, geometrical methods in the theory of ordinary differential equations have become very popular and some progress has been made partly with the help of computers. Much of this progress is represented in this revised, expanded edition, including such topics as the Feigenbaum universality of period doubling, the Zoladec solution, the Iljashenko proof, the Ecalle and Voronin theory, the Varchenko and Hovanski theorems, and the Neistadt theory. In the selection of material for this book, the author explains basic ideas and methods applicable to the study of differential equations. Special efforts were made to keep the basic ideas free from excessive technicalities. Thus the most fundamental questions are considered in great detail, while of the more special and difficult parts of the theory have the character of a survey. Consequently, the reader needs only a general mathematical knowledge to easily follow this text. It is directed to mathematicians, as well as all users of the theory of differential equations.

This book develops the theory of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), starting from an introductory level (with no prior experience in ODEs assumed) through to a graduate-level treatment of the qualitative theory, including bifurcation theory (but not chaos). While proofs are rigorous, the exposition is reader-friendly, aiming for the informality of face-to-face interactions. A unique feature of this book is the integration of rigorous theory with numerous applications of scientific interest. Besides providing motivation, this synthesis clarifies the theory and enhances scientific literacy. Other features include: (i) a wealth of exercises at various levels, along with commentary that explains why they matter; (ii) figures with consistent color conventions to identify nullclines, periodic orbits, stable and unstable manifolds; and (iii) a dedicated website with software templates, problem solutions, and other resources supporting the text (www.math.duke.edu/ode-book). Given its many applications, the book may be used comfortably in science and engineering courses as well as in mathematics courses. Its level is accessible to upper-level undergraduates but still appropriate for graduate students. The thoughtful presentation, which anticipates many confusions of beginning students, makes the book suitable for a teaching environment that emphasizes self-directed, active learning (including the so-called inverted classroom).