Mathematics for Electrical Engineering and Computing
Mathematics for Electrical Engineering and Computing embraces many applications of modern mathematics, such as Boolean Algebra and Sets and Functions, and also teaches both discrete and continuous systems - particularly vital for Digital Signal Processing (DSP). In addition, as most modern engineers are required to study software, material suitable for Software Engineering - set theory, predicate and prepositional calculus, language and graph theory - is fully integrated into the book.
Excessive technical detail and language are avoided, recognising that the real requirement for practising engineers is the need to understand the applications of mathematics in everyday engineering contexts. Emphasis is given to an appreciation of the fundamental concepts behind the mathematics, for problem solving and undertaking critical analysis of results, whether using a calculator or a computer.
The text is backed up by numerous exercises and worked examples throughout, firmly rooted in engineering practice, ensuring that all mathematical theory introduced is directly relevant to real-world engineering. The book includes introductions to advanced topics such as Fourier analysis, vector calculus and random processes, also making this a suitable introductory text for second year undergraduates of electrical, electronic and computer engineering, undertaking engineering mathematics courses.
The book is supported with a number of free online resources. On the companion website readers will find:
* over 60 pages of "Background Mathematics" reinforcing introductory material for revision purposes in advance of your first year course
* plotXpose software (for equation solving, and drawing graphs of simple functions, their derivatives, integrals and Fourier transforms)
* problems and projects (linking directly to the software)
In addition, for lecturers only, http://textbooks.elsevier.com features a complete worked solutions manual for the exercises in the book.
Dr Attenborough is a former Senior Lecturer in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering at South Bank University. She is currently Technical Director of The Webbery - Internet development company, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
* Fundamental principles of mathematics introduced and applied in engineering practice, reinforced through over 300 examples directly relevant to real-world engineering
* Over 60 pages of basic revision material available to download in advance of embarking on a first year course
* Free website support, featuring complete solutions manual, background mathematics, plotXpose software, and further problems and projects enabling students to build on the concepts introduced, and put the theory into practice
Why Read This Book
You will get a concise, application-focused grounding in the mathematics that underpins signals, systems and digital computation — from sets and Boolean algebra to transforms and discrete-time systems — without drowning in formal proofs. If you need a practical refresher on the math used in DSP, embedded software modelling and basic signal analysis, this book connects concepts across electrical engineering and computing in an accessible way.
Who Will Benefit
Early-career electrical/computer engineers, undergraduate students, and practicing engineers who need practical mathematical tools to support learning or applying DSP, signals & systems, and software-model concepts.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: High-school algebra and calculus; basic familiarity with complex numbers and matrices. Some exposure to programming is helpful but not required.
Key Takeaways
- Explain the difference between discrete and continuous systems and apply basic analysis techniques for each.
- Use Boolean algebra and set theory to model digital logic and software specifications.
- Apply linear algebra tools (vectors, matrices) to represent and manipulate signals and systems.
- Use Laplace, Fourier and Z-transforms at a practical level for time/frequency analysis of signals and systems.
- Describe sampling, aliasing and the basics of A/D conversion relevant to DSP.
- Apply basic graph theory and formal logic ideas to software and system modelling problems.
Topics Covered
- Basic number systems and complex numbers
- Sets, relations and functions
- Boolean algebra and logic for digital systems
- Vectors and matrices — linear algebra essentials
- Calculus review and differential equations
- Laplace transform and continuous-time system analysis
- Fourier series and Fourier transform basics
- Discrete-time signals, Z-transform and sampling
- Introduction to probability and basic statistics
- Graph theory, formal languages and software modelling
- Numerical methods and practical applications
- Case studies and engineering applications
How It Compares
Broader and less DSP-specialized than Oppenheim & Willsky's Signals and Systems; more applied and gentler on proofs than comprehensive engineering-math books like K.A. Stroud's Engineering Mathematics.
