Book excerpt: Now enhanced with the innovative DE Tools CD-ROM and the iLrn teaching and learning system, this proven text explains the "how" behind the material and strikes a balance between the analytical, qualitative, and quantitative approaches to the study of differential equations. This accessible text speaks to students through a wealth of pedagogical aids, including an abundance of examples, explanations, "Remarks" boxes, definitions, and group projects. This book was written with the student's understanding firmly in mind. Using a straightforward, readable, and helpful style, this book provides a thorough treatment of boundary-value problems and partial differential equations.