The calculus of finite differences is an area of mathematics important to a broad range of professions, from physical science and engineering to social sciences and statistics. This comprehensive study, directed to advanced undergraduate-level students, graduate students, and professionals, concentrates primarily on how the calculus of finite differences may be used as an approximation method for solving troublesome differential equations.
Stressing problem solving rather than pure mathematics, the authors begin with elementary difference operations, treat interpolation and extrapolation,...