Providing an introduction to functional analysis, this text treats in detail its application to boundary-value problems and finite elements, and is distinguished by the fact that abstract concepts are motivated and illustrated wherever possible. It is intended for use by senior undergraduates and graduates in mathematics, the physical sciences and engineering, who may not have been exposed to the conventional prerequisites for a course in functional analysis, such as real analysis. Mature researchers wishing to learn the basic ideas of functional analysis will equally find this useful. Offers a good grounding in those aspects of functional analysis which are most relevant to a proper understanding and appreciation of the mathematical aspects of boundary-value problems and the finite element method.

This book provides an introduction to functional analysis and treats in detail its application to boundary-value problems and finite elements. The book is intended for use by senior undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, the physical sciences and engineering, who may not have been exposed to the conventional prerequisites for a course in functional analysis, such as real analysis. Mature researchers wishing to learn the basic ideas of functional analysis would also find the text useful. The text is distinguished by the fact that abstract concepts are motivated and illustrated wherever possible. Readers of this book can expect to obtain a good grounding in those aspects of functional analysis which are most relevant to a proper understanding and appreciation of the mathematical aspects of boundary-value problems and the finite element method.