Numerical Analysis using Matlab and Spreadsheets $ T& E* m6 D0 {This book is written primarily for students/readers who have a good background of high-school+ b; ~( |$ |' G9 S5 P" U
algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and the fundamentals of differential and integral calculus.* A( `) }" p: b z) d9 b
prior knowledge of differential equations is desirable but not necessary; this topic is reviewed in# N. X7 {* b/ l- v# [
Chapter 5.$ E% Z' k% r, V# o' x: q; m
One can use Fortran, Pascal, C, or Visual Basic or even a spreadsheet to solve a difficult problem. , |, \" H# w1 I. X1 A" _: m t6 a% dIt is the opinion of this author that the best applications programs for solving engineering4 u; Y0 o9 G5 v. z1 T7 h/ w
problems are 1) MATLAB which is capable of performing advanced mathematical and 9 b6 _4 z9 t, D/ Pengineering computations, and 2) the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet since the versatility offered by( \" L+ }. @2 Z# p9 J* W; @
spreadsheets have revolutionized the personal computer industry. We will assume that the reader 9 u5 [& I7 D" R% Rhas no prior knowledge of MATLAB and limited familiarity with Excel.