Author: Vladimir V. Kalashnikov
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780792325680
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
The material of this book is based on several courses which have been delivered for a long time at the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology. Some parts have formed the subject of lectures given at various universities throughout the world: Freie Universitat of Berlin, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Goteborg, University of California at Santa Barbara and others. The subject of the book is the theory of queues. This theory, as a mathematical discipline, begins with the work of A. Erlang, who examined a model of a telephone station and obtained the famous formula for the distribution of the number of busy lines which is named after him. Queueing theory has been applied to the study of numerous models: emergency aid, road traffic, computer systems, etc. Besides, it has lead to several related disciplines such as reliability and inventory theories which deal with similar models. Nevertheless, many parts of the theory of queues were developed as a "pure science" with no practical applications. The aim of this book is to give the reader an insight into the mathematical methods which can be used in queueing theory and to present examples of solving problems with the help of these methods. Of course, the choice of the methods is quite subjective. Thus, many prominent results have not even been mentioned.
Mathematical Methods in Queuing Theory
Author: Vladimir V. Kalashnikov
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780792325680
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
The material of this book is based on several courses which have been delivered for a long time at the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology. Some parts have formed the subject of lectures given at various universities throughout the world: Freie Universitat of Berlin, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Goteborg, University of California at Santa Barbara and others. The subject of the book is the theory of queues. This theory, as a mathematical discipline, begins with the work of A. Erlang, who examined a model of a telephone station and obtained the famous formula for the distribution of the number of busy lines which is named after him. Queueing theory has been applied to the study of numerous models: emergency aid, road traffic, computer systems, etc. Besides, it has lead to several related disciplines such as reliability and inventory theories which deal with similar models. Nevertheless, many parts of the theory of queues were developed as a "pure science" with no practical applications. The aim of this book is to give the reader an insight into the mathematical methods which can be used in queueing theory and to present examples of solving problems with the help of these methods. Of course, the choice of the methods is quite subjective. Thus, many prominent results have not even been mentioned.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780792325680
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
The material of this book is based on several courses which have been delivered for a long time at the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology. Some parts have formed the subject of lectures given at various universities throughout the world: Freie Universitat of Berlin, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Goteborg, University of California at Santa Barbara and others. The subject of the book is the theory of queues. This theory, as a mathematical discipline, begins with the work of A. Erlang, who examined a model of a telephone station and obtained the famous formula for the distribution of the number of busy lines which is named after him. Queueing theory has been applied to the study of numerous models: emergency aid, road traffic, computer systems, etc. Besides, it has lead to several related disciplines such as reliability and inventory theories which deal with similar models. Nevertheless, many parts of the theory of queues were developed as a "pure science" with no practical applications. The aim of this book is to give the reader an insight into the mathematical methods which can be used in queueing theory and to present examples of solving problems with the help of these methods. Of course, the choice of the methods is quite subjective. Thus, many prominent results have not even been mentioned.
Fundamentals of Queueing Theory
Author: John F. Shortle
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111894352X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 576
Book Description
The definitive guide to queueing theory and its practical applications—features numerous real-world examples of scientific, engineering, and business applications Thoroughly updated and expanded to reflect the latest developments in the field, Fundamentals of Queueing Theory, Fifth Edition presents the statistical principles and processes involved in the analysis of the probabilistic nature of queues. Rather than focus narrowly on a particular application area, the authors illustrate the theory in practice across a range of fields, from computer science and various engineering disciplines to business and operations research. Critically, the text also provides a numerical approach to understanding and making estimations with queueing theory and provides comprehensive coverage of both simple and advanced queueing models. As with all preceding editions, this latest update of the classic text features a unique blend of the theoretical and timely real-world applications. The introductory section has been reorganized with expanded coverage of qualitative/non-mathematical approaches to queueing theory, including a high-level description of queues in everyday life. New sections on non-stationary fluid queues, fairness in queueing, and Little’s Law have been added, as has expanded coverage of stochastic processes, including the Poisson process and Markov chains. • Each chapter provides a self-contained presentation of key concepts and formulas, to allow readers to focus independently on topics relevant to their interests • A summary table at the end of the book outlines the queues that have been discussed and the types of results that have been obtained for each queue • Examples from a range of disciplines highlight practical issues often encountered when applying the theory to real-world problems • A companion website features QtsPlus, an Excel-based software platform that provides computer-based solutions for most queueing models presented in the book. Featuring chapter-end exercises and problems—all of which have been classroom-tested and refined by the authors in advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses—Fundamentals of Queueing Theory, Fifth Edition is an ideal textbook for courses in applied mathematics, queueing theory, probability and statistics, and stochastic processes. This book is also a valuable reference for practitioners in applied mathematics, operations research, engineering, and industrial engineering.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111894352X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 576
Book Description
The definitive guide to queueing theory and its practical applications—features numerous real-world examples of scientific, engineering, and business applications Thoroughly updated and expanded to reflect the latest developments in the field, Fundamentals of Queueing Theory, Fifth Edition presents the statistical principles and processes involved in the analysis of the probabilistic nature of queues. Rather than focus narrowly on a particular application area, the authors illustrate the theory in practice across a range of fields, from computer science and various engineering disciplines to business and operations research. Critically, the text also provides a numerical approach to understanding and making estimations with queueing theory and provides comprehensive coverage of both simple and advanced queueing models. As with all preceding editions, this latest update of the classic text features a unique blend of the theoretical and timely real-world applications. The introductory section has been reorganized with expanded coverage of qualitative/non-mathematical approaches to queueing theory, including a high-level description of queues in everyday life. New sections on non-stationary fluid queues, fairness in queueing, and Little’s Law have been added, as has expanded coverage of stochastic processes, including the Poisson process and Markov chains. • Each chapter provides a self-contained presentation of key concepts and formulas, to allow readers to focus independently on topics relevant to their interests • A summary table at the end of the book outlines the queues that have been discussed and the types of results that have been obtained for each queue • Examples from a range of disciplines highlight practical issues often encountered when applying the theory to real-world problems • A companion website features QtsPlus, an Excel-based software platform that provides computer-based solutions for most queueing models presented in the book. Featuring chapter-end exercises and problems—all of which have been classroom-tested and refined by the authors in advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses—Fundamentals of Queueing Theory, Fifth Edition is an ideal textbook for courses in applied mathematics, queueing theory, probability and statistics, and stochastic processes. This book is also a valuable reference for practitioners in applied mathematics, operations research, engineering, and industrial engineering.
An Introduction to Queueing Theory
Author: L. Breuer
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402036310
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
The present textbook contains the recordsof a two–semester course on que- ing theory, including an introduction to matrix–analytic methods. This course comprises four hours oflectures and two hours of exercises per week andhas been taughtattheUniversity of Trier, Germany, for about ten years in - quence. The course is directed to last year undergraduate and?rst year gr- uate students of applied probability and computer science, who have already completed an introduction to probability theory. Its purpose is to present - terial that is close enough to concrete queueing models and their applications, while providing a sound mathematical foundation for the analysis of these. Thus the goal of the present book is two–fold. On the one hand, students who are mainly interested in applications easily feel bored by elaborate mathematical questions in the theory of stochastic processes. The presentation of the mathematical foundations in our courses is chosen to cover only the necessary results, which are needed for a solid foundation of the methods of queueing analysis. Further, students oriented - wards applications expect to have a justi?cation for their mathematical efforts in terms of immediate use in queueing analysis. This is the main reason why we have decided to introduce new mathematical concepts only when they will be used in the immediate sequel. On the other hand, students of applied probability do not want any heur- tic derivations just for the sake of yielding fast results for the model at hand.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402036310
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 274
Book Description
The present textbook contains the recordsof a two–semester course on que- ing theory, including an introduction to matrix–analytic methods. This course comprises four hours oflectures and two hours of exercises per week andhas been taughtattheUniversity of Trier, Germany, for about ten years in - quence. The course is directed to last year undergraduate and?rst year gr- uate students of applied probability and computer science, who have already completed an introduction to probability theory. Its purpose is to present - terial that is close enough to concrete queueing models and their applications, while providing a sound mathematical foundation for the analysis of these. Thus the goal of the present book is two–fold. On the one hand, students who are mainly interested in applications easily feel bored by elaborate mathematical questions in the theory of stochastic processes. The presentation of the mathematical foundations in our courses is chosen to cover only the necessary results, which are needed for a solid foundation of the methods of queueing analysis. Further, students oriented - wards applications expect to have a justi?cation for their mathematical efforts in terms of immediate use in queueing analysis. This is the main reason why we have decided to introduce new mathematical concepts only when they will be used in the immediate sequel. On the other hand, students of applied probability do not want any heur- tic derivations just for the sake of yielding fast results for the model at hand.
Mathematical Methods in Queuing Theory
Author: Vladimir V. Kalashnikov
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401721971
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 389
Book Description
The material of this book is based on several courses which have been delivered for a long time at the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology. Some parts have formed the subject of lectures given at various universities throughout the world: Freie Universitat of Berlin, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Goteborg, University of California at Santa Barbara and others. The subject of the book is the theory of queues. This theory, as a mathematical discipline, begins with the work of A. Erlang, who examined a model of a telephone station and obtained the famous formula for the distribution of the number of busy lines which is named after him. Queueing theory has been applied to the study of numerous models: emergency aid, road traffic, computer systems, etc. Besides, it has lead to several related disciplines such as reliability and inventory theories which deal with similar models. Nevertheless, many parts of the theory of queues were developed as a "pure science" with no practical applications. The aim of this book is to give the reader an insight into the mathematical methods which can be used in queueing theory and to present examples of solving problems with the help of these methods. Of course, the choice of the methods is quite subjective. Thus, many prominent results have not even been mentioned.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401721971
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 389
Book Description
The material of this book is based on several courses which have been delivered for a long time at the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology. Some parts have formed the subject of lectures given at various universities throughout the world: Freie Universitat of Berlin, Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Goteborg, University of California at Santa Barbara and others. The subject of the book is the theory of queues. This theory, as a mathematical discipline, begins with the work of A. Erlang, who examined a model of a telephone station and obtained the famous formula for the distribution of the number of busy lines which is named after him. Queueing theory has been applied to the study of numerous models: emergency aid, road traffic, computer systems, etc. Besides, it has lead to several related disciplines such as reliability and inventory theories which deal with similar models. Nevertheless, many parts of the theory of queues were developed as a "pure science" with no practical applications. The aim of this book is to give the reader an insight into the mathematical methods which can be used in queueing theory and to present examples of solving problems with the help of these methods. Of course, the choice of the methods is quite subjective. Thus, many prominent results have not even been mentioned.
Mathematical Methods in Queueing Theory
Author: A. B. Clarke
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642808387
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 371
Book Description
On May 10-12, 1973 a Conference on Mathematical Methods in Graph Theory was held at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. The theme of this Conference was recent advances in the application of analytic and algebraic methods to the analysis of queues and queueing networks. In addition some discussion was given to statistical analy ses in queues, control problems and graphical methods. A total of 83 individuals from both industry and academic estab lishments participated in the Conference. A list of these partici pants can be found on page 373. A total of 18 papers were presented, with sUbstantial time being devoted to their informal discussion. This volume constitutes the proceedings of the Conference, and includes all papers presented. TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCEL F. NEUTS The Markov Renewal Branching Process • 1 RALPH L. DISNEY and W. PETER CHERRY Some Topics in Queueing Network Theory 23 JULIAN KEILSON Convexity and Complete Monotonicity in Queueing Distributions and Associated Limit Behavior . • • • • • . . • • • •• • • 45 G. F. NEWELL Graphical Representation of Queue Evolution for Multiple-Server Systems • . • • • • • • • • • • 63 N. U. PRABHU Wiener-Hopf Techniques in Queueing Theory 81 / IAJOS TAKACS Occupation Time Problems in the Theory of Queues 91 TAPAN P. BAGCHI and J. G. C. TEMPLETON Some Finite waiting Space Bulk Queueing Systems 133 U.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642808387
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 371
Book Description
On May 10-12, 1973 a Conference on Mathematical Methods in Graph Theory was held at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. The theme of this Conference was recent advances in the application of analytic and algebraic methods to the analysis of queues and queueing networks. In addition some discussion was given to statistical analy ses in queues, control problems and graphical methods. A total of 83 individuals from both industry and academic estab lishments participated in the Conference. A list of these partici pants can be found on page 373. A total of 18 papers were presented, with sUbstantial time being devoted to their informal discussion. This volume constitutes the proceedings of the Conference, and includes all papers presented. TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCEL F. NEUTS The Markov Renewal Branching Process • 1 RALPH L. DISNEY and W. PETER CHERRY Some Topics in Queueing Network Theory 23 JULIAN KEILSON Convexity and Complete Monotonicity in Queueing Distributions and Associated Limit Behavior . • • • • • . . • • • •• • • 45 G. F. NEWELL Graphical Representation of Queue Evolution for Multiple-Server Systems • . • • • • • • • • • • 63 N. U. PRABHU Wiener-Hopf Techniques in Queueing Theory 81 / IAJOS TAKACS Occupation Time Problems in the Theory of Queues 91 TAPAN P. BAGCHI and J. G. C. TEMPLETON Some Finite waiting Space Bulk Queueing Systems 133 U.
Advances in Queueing Theory, Methods, and Open Problems
Author: Jewgeni H. Dshalalow
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849380747
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 530
Book Description
The progress of science and technology has placed Queueing Theory among the most popular disciplines in applied mathematics, operations research, and engineering. Although queueing has been on the scientific market since the beginning of this century, it is still rapidly expanding by capturing new areas in technology. Advances in Queueing provides a comprehensive overview of problems in this enormous area of science and focuses on the most significant methods recently developed. Written by a team of 24 eminent scientists, the book examines stochastic, analytic, and generic methods such as approximations, estimates and bounds, and simulation. The first chapter presents an overview of classical queueing methods from the birth of queues to the seventies. It also contains the most comprehensive bibliography of books on queueing and telecommunications to date. Each of the following chapters surveys recent methods applied to classes of queueing systems and networks followed by a discussion of open problems and future research directions. Advances in Queueing is a practical reference that allows the reader quick access to the latest methods.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849380747
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 530
Book Description
The progress of science and technology has placed Queueing Theory among the most popular disciplines in applied mathematics, operations research, and engineering. Although queueing has been on the scientific market since the beginning of this century, it is still rapidly expanding by capturing new areas in technology. Advances in Queueing provides a comprehensive overview of problems in this enormous area of science and focuses on the most significant methods recently developed. Written by a team of 24 eminent scientists, the book examines stochastic, analytic, and generic methods such as approximations, estimates and bounds, and simulation. The first chapter presents an overview of classical queueing methods from the birth of queues to the seventies. It also contains the most comprehensive bibliography of books on queueing and telecommunications to date. Each of the following chapters surveys recent methods applied to classes of queueing systems and networks followed by a discussion of open problems and future research directions. Advances in Queueing is a practical reference that allows the reader quick access to the latest methods.
An Introduction to Queueing Theory
Author: U. Narayan Bhat
Publisher: Birkhäuser
ISBN: 0817684212
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 343
Book Description
This introductory textbook is designed for a one-semester course on queueing theory that does not require a course on stochastic processes as a prerequisite. By integrating the necessary background on stochastic processes with the analysis of models, the work provides a sound foundational introduction to the modeling and analysis of queueing systems for a broad interdisciplinary audience of students in mathematics, statistics, and applied disciplines such as computer science, operations research, and engineering. This edition includes additional topics in methodology and applications. Key features: • An introductory chapter including a historical account of the growth of queueing theory in more than 100 years. • A modeling-based approach with emphasis on identification of models • Rigorous treatment of the foundations of basic models commonly used in applications with appropriate references for advanced topics. • A chapter on matrix-analytic method as an alternative to the traditional methods of analysis of queueing systems. • A comprehensive treatment of statistical inference for queueing systems. • Modeling exercises and review exercises when appropriate. The second edition of An Introduction of Queueing Theory may be used as a textbook by first-year graduate students in fields such as computer science, operations research, industrial and systems engineering, as well as related fields such as manufacturing and communications engineering. Upper-level undergraduate students in mathematics, statistics, and engineering may also use the book in an introductory course on queueing theory. With its rigorous coverage of basic material and extensive bibliography of the queueing literature, the work may also be useful to applied scientists and practitioners as a self-study reference for applications and further research. "...This book has brought a freshness and novelty as it deals mainly with modeling and analysis in applications as well as with statistical inference for queueing problems. With his 40 years of valuable experience in teaching and high level research in this subject area, Professor Bhat has been able to achieve what he aimed: to make [the work] somewhat different in content and approach from other books." - Assam Statistical Review of the first edition
Publisher: Birkhäuser
ISBN: 0817684212
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 343
Book Description
This introductory textbook is designed for a one-semester course on queueing theory that does not require a course on stochastic processes as a prerequisite. By integrating the necessary background on stochastic processes with the analysis of models, the work provides a sound foundational introduction to the modeling and analysis of queueing systems for a broad interdisciplinary audience of students in mathematics, statistics, and applied disciplines such as computer science, operations research, and engineering. This edition includes additional topics in methodology and applications. Key features: • An introductory chapter including a historical account of the growth of queueing theory in more than 100 years. • A modeling-based approach with emphasis on identification of models • Rigorous treatment of the foundations of basic models commonly used in applications with appropriate references for advanced topics. • A chapter on matrix-analytic method as an alternative to the traditional methods of analysis of queueing systems. • A comprehensive treatment of statistical inference for queueing systems. • Modeling exercises and review exercises when appropriate. The second edition of An Introduction of Queueing Theory may be used as a textbook by first-year graduate students in fields such as computer science, operations research, industrial and systems engineering, as well as related fields such as manufacturing and communications engineering. Upper-level undergraduate students in mathematics, statistics, and engineering may also use the book in an introductory course on queueing theory. With its rigorous coverage of basic material and extensive bibliography of the queueing literature, the work may also be useful to applied scientists and practitioners as a self-study reference for applications and further research. "...This book has brought a freshness and novelty as it deals mainly with modeling and analysis in applications as well as with statistical inference for queueing problems. With his 40 years of valuable experience in teaching and high level research in this subject area, Professor Bhat has been able to achieve what he aimed: to make [the work] somewhat different in content and approach from other books." - Assam Statistical Review of the first edition
Stochastic Models in Queueing Theory
Author: Jyotiprasad Medhi
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008054181X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 501
Book Description
This is a graduate level textbook that covers the fundamental topics in queuing theory. The book has a broad coverage of methods to calculate important probabilities, and gives attention to proving the general theorems. It includes many recent topics, such as server-vacation models, diffusion approximations and optimal operating policies, and more about bulk-arrival and bull-service models than other general texts. - Current, clear and comprehensive coverage - A wealth of interesting and relevant examples and exercises to reinforce concepts - Reference lists provided after each chapter for further investigation
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008054181X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 501
Book Description
This is a graduate level textbook that covers the fundamental topics in queuing theory. The book has a broad coverage of methods to calculate important probabilities, and gives attention to proving the general theorems. It includes many recent topics, such as server-vacation models, diffusion approximations and optimal operating policies, and more about bulk-arrival and bull-service models than other general texts. - Current, clear and comprehensive coverage - A wealth of interesting and relevant examples and exercises to reinforce concepts - Reference lists provided after each chapter for further investigation
Fundamentals of Queuing Systems
Author: Nick T. Thomopoulos
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 146143713X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 187
Book Description
Waiting in lines is a staple of everyday human life. Without really noticing, we are doing it when we go to buy a ticket at a movie theater, stop at a bank to make an account withdrawal, or proceed to checkout a purchase from one of our favorite department stores. Oftentimes, waiting lines are due to overcrowded, overfilling, or congestion; any time there is more customer demand for a service than can be provided, a waiting line forms. Queuing systems is a term used to describe the methods and techniques most ideal for measuring the probability and statistics of a wide variety of waiting line models. This book provides an introduction to basic queuing systems, such as M/M/1 and its variants, as well as newer concepts like systems with priorities, networks of queues, and general service policies. Numerical examples are presented to guide readers into thinking about practical real-world applications, and students and researchers will be able to apply the methods learned to designing queuing systems that extend beyond the classroom. Very little has been published in the area of queuing systems, and this volume will appeal to graduate-level students, researchers, and practitioners in the areas of management science, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, and statistics.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 146143713X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 187
Book Description
Waiting in lines is a staple of everyday human life. Without really noticing, we are doing it when we go to buy a ticket at a movie theater, stop at a bank to make an account withdrawal, or proceed to checkout a purchase from one of our favorite department stores. Oftentimes, waiting lines are due to overcrowded, overfilling, or congestion; any time there is more customer demand for a service than can be provided, a waiting line forms. Queuing systems is a term used to describe the methods and techniques most ideal for measuring the probability and statistics of a wide variety of waiting line models. This book provides an introduction to basic queuing systems, such as M/M/1 and its variants, as well as newer concepts like systems with priorities, networks of queues, and general service policies. Numerical examples are presented to guide readers into thinking about practical real-world applications, and students and researchers will be able to apply the methods learned to designing queuing systems that extend beyond the classroom. Very little has been published in the area of queuing systems, and this volume will appeal to graduate-level students, researchers, and practitioners in the areas of management science, applied mathematics, engineering, computer science, and statistics.
Probability, Stochastic Processes, and Queueing Theory
Author: Randolph Nelson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1475724268
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 595
Book Description
We will occasionally footnote a portion of text with a "**,, to indicate Notes on the that this portion can be initially bypassed. The reasons for bypassing a Text portion of the text include: the subject is a special topic that will not be referenced later, the material can be skipped on first reading, or the level of mathematics is higher than the rest of the text. In cases where a topic is self-contained, we opt to collect the material into an appendix that can be read by students at their leisure. The material in the text cannot be fully assimilated until one makes it Notes on "their own" by applying the material to specific problems. Self-discovery Problems is the best teacher and although they are no substitute for an inquiring mind, problems that explore the subject from different viewpoints can often help the student to think about the material in a uniquely per sonal way. With this in mind, we have made problems an integral part of this work and have attempted to make them interesting as well as informative.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1475724268
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 595
Book Description
We will occasionally footnote a portion of text with a "**,, to indicate Notes on the that this portion can be initially bypassed. The reasons for bypassing a Text portion of the text include: the subject is a special topic that will not be referenced later, the material can be skipped on first reading, or the level of mathematics is higher than the rest of the text. In cases where a topic is self-contained, we opt to collect the material into an appendix that can be read by students at their leisure. The material in the text cannot be fully assimilated until one makes it Notes on "their own" by applying the material to specific problems. Self-discovery Problems is the best teacher and although they are no substitute for an inquiring mind, problems that explore the subject from different viewpoints can often help the student to think about the material in a uniquely per sonal way. With this in mind, we have made problems an integral part of this work and have attempted to make them interesting as well as informative.