A Geometric Approach to Differential Forms

The modern subject of differential forms subsumes classical vector calculus. This text presents differential forms from a geometric perspective accessible at the undergraduate level. The book begins with basic concepts such as partial differentiation and multiple integration and gently develops the entire machinery of differential forms. The author approaches the subject with the idea that complex concepts can be built up by analogy from simpler cases, which, being inherently geometric, often can be best understood visually. Each new concept is presented with a natural picture that students can easily grasp. Algebraic properties then follow. This facilitates the development of differential forms without assuming a background in linear algebra. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on applications in 3 dimensions, but all definitions are given so as to be easily generalized to higher dimensions. Containing excellent motivation, numerous illustrations and solutions to selected problems in an appendix, the material has been tested in the classroom along all three potential course tracks. TOC:Preface.- Guide to the Reader.-Multivariable Calculus.- Parameterizations.- Introduction to Forms.- Forms.- Differential Forms.- Differentiation of Forms.- Stokes' Theorem.- Applications.- Manifolds.- Non-linear Forms.- References.- Index.- Solutions.