Differential and Difference Equations

This book provides a detailed comparison of methods of§solution of linear differential and linear difference equations, allowing the§reader to understand difference equations from the more familiar perspective of§differential equations. Throughout the§book the emphasis is on providing the detail that would facilitate the§application of these methods to particular problems, including the solution of§first and second order equations, asymptotic solutions, Green's function,§generating functions, integral transforms, Sturm-Liouvile theory, and the§classical functions of mathematical physics. In presenting a given topic, the attempt has been§made to follow the analysis for differential equations by the analogous§analysis for difference equations.§§The book is unique in its treatment of the two subjects,§difference equations and differential equations. These are generally treated separately, with§only a brief reference to the similarity of the respective analyses. The book aims to make difference equations§more understandable to the broad readership in engineering and the physical§sciences for whom differential equations are familiar tools of the trade.§§