David Reeping & Kenneth J. Reid 
The Application of Mathematics in the Engineering Disciplines 

This text serves as the companion text to Introductory Engineering Mathematics, which introduces common mathematical concepts we see in engineering, including trigonometry, calculus, and functions. This text assumes a level of mathematics of a high school senior, plus some elements from the introductory text. Additional concepts we see in engineering are also introduced: specifically, matrices, differential equations, and some introduction to series. The concepts are introduced by examples rather than strict mathematical derivation. As a result, this text likely will not be an effective substitute for a differential equations course, but by illustrating the implementation of differential equations, it can be a companion to such a course. We primarily use historical events as examples (including failures) to illustrate the use of mathematics in engineering and the intersection of the disciplines. We hope you develop an appreciation for how to apply these concepts, and find a new lens through which to view engineering successes (and failures).

About the author

Kenneth J. Reid is an associate professor in engineering education at Virginia Tech. He earned his Ph D in engineering education in 2009. Among other awards, he and his coauthors received the Wickenden award (2014), best paper award for the Educational Research and Methods Division of ASEE (2014) and IEEE-USA Professional Achievement Award (2013) for developing the nation’s first BS degree in engineering education. He is active in engineering within K-12, including the Technology Student Association (TSA) board of directors.