Mathematics is playing an ever more important role in the physical and biologi cal sciences, provoking a blurring of boundaries between scientific disciplines and a resurgence of interest in the modem as well as the classical techniques of applied mathematics. This renewal of interest, both in research and teaching, has led to the establishment of the series Texts in Applied Mathematics (TAM). The development of new courses is a natural consequence of a high level of excitement on the research frontier as newer techniques, such as numerical and symbolic computer systems, dynamical systems, and chaos, mix with and rein force the traditional methods of applied mathematics. Thus, the purpose of this textbook series is to meet the current and future needs of these advances and to encourage the teaching of new courses. TAM will publish textbooks suitable for use in advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate courses, and will complement the Applied Mathematics Sci ences (AMS) series, which will focus on advanced textbooks and research-level monographs. v Preface This textbook introduces the basic concepts and results of mathematical control and system theory. Based on courses that I have taught during the last 15 years, it presents its subject in a self-contained and elementary fashion. It is geared primarily to an audience consisting of mathematically mature advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate students. In addi tion, it can be used by engineering students interested in a rigorous, proof oriented systems course that goes beyond the classical frequency-domain material and more applied courses.