Book excerpt: Emphasizing the finite difference approach for solving differential equations, the second edition of Numerical Methods for Engineers and Scientists presents a methodology for systematically constructing individual computer programs. Providing easy access to accurate solutions to complex scientific and engineering problems, each chapter begins with objectives, a discussion of a representative application, and an outline of special features, summing up with a list of tasks students should be able to complete after reading the chapter- perfect for use as a study guide or for review. The AIAA Journal calls the book "...a good, solid instructional text on the basic tools of numerical analysis."