Book Review: Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB (1st Edition) by Chul Ki Song & Jong-Ryeol Kim

 

Engineering students often face the dual challenge of mastering mathematical concepts while applying them to real-world problems using computational tools. Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB (1st Edition) by Chul Ki Song and Jong-Ryeol Kim bridges this gap beautifully, offering readers a comprehensive and practical journey through essential mathematical techniques with the power of MATLAB.

Overview of the Book

This book presents engineering mathematics not merely as abstract theory, but as a set of computational tools for solving real engineering problems. Each concept—be it calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, or numerical methods—is accompanied by MATLAB examples and exercises that help readers visualize and implement mathematical operations effectively.

The authors have carefully structured the content to progress from foundational principles to advanced applications, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate MATLAB users. The book balances mathematical rigor with hands-on coding practice, encouraging students to explore how mathematics drives simulation, modeling, and analysis in engineering systems.

Key Features

• Integrated MATLAB Approach:
  Every chapter is enriched with MATLAB scripts, code snippets, and exercises that demonstrate how theory translates to computation. This practical integration helps students see immediate results and understand concepts through visualization.

• Comprehensive Mathematical Coverage:
  The book spans a wide range of topics—algebra, trigonometry, calculus, complex numbers, differential equations, Laplace and Fourier transforms, matrix operations, and numerical methods—all tied to engineering contexts.

• Application-Oriented Learning:
  Real-world engineering problems are included to help readers apply mathematics to electrical circuits, control systems, mechanical vibrations, and more.

• Clear and Student-Friendly Writing Style:
  The authors adopt a clear, step-by-step explanation style, making even advanced topics approachable for undergraduate learners.

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike traditional mathematics textbooks, this one places strong emphasis on implementation. MATLAB serves not just as a calculator, but as a platform for experimentation. For example, readers can simulate system responses, solve boundary value problems, or visualize 3D surfaces—all while learning the underlying mathematics.

The book also fosters self-learning by providing ample code examples that can be modified and explored further. This makes it particularly valuable for engineering students working on projects, lab assignments, or thesis simulations.

Who Should Read It

• Undergraduate engineering students seeking to strengthen their mathematical foundations while gaining MATLAB proficiency.

• Graduate students and researchers looking for computational methods to model complex systems.

• Instructors who want to teach mathematics through an applied, software-driven lens.

• Industry professionals who use MATLAB for simulation, control, or data analysis tasks.

Final Thoughts

Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB by Chul Ki Song and Jong-Ryeol Kim stands as a modern textbook that merges mathematical theory with computational practicality. It empowers readers to not only understand mathematics but to use it creatively in engineering problem-solving.

If you’re looking for a book that transforms equations into simulations and theory into action, this is a must-have addition to your engineering library.

---

Recommended Citation:
Song, C. K., & Kim, J.-R. (1st Ed.). Engineering Mathematics with MATLAB. Academic Press.