The authors demonstrate how Matlab can be used for advanced numerical calculations. Many Matlab books just use numerical examples that are really elementary, from a scientific or engineering viewpoint. Those texts are more about teaching Matlab. Hence they choose simple examples, to reach a broad audience. Whereas the audience for this book is rather select. Probably tending towards professionals in the physical sciences or engineering. Or possibly grad students in these fields.



The text starts with matrix [linear] algebra. Explaining how to invert a linear system of equations. Then the book goes onto finding roots of non-linear equations, using Newton-Raphson iteration. And the always useful methods of numerical differentiation and integration. Plus other topics. Each chapter has an extensive problem set.



A central theme is that you don't need much previous knowledge of Matlab. The book guides you into its abilities to help your research.