This course introduces the practical and theoretical aspects of ordinary differential
equations. In particular, students will
- Understand the quantitative and qualitative meanings of differential equations and their solutions, especially in applied examples
- Learn standard techniques for finding analytic solutions
- Estimate solutions and evaluate their qualitative nature even when an exact analytic solution is unavailable
- Develop the theory of differential equations, including first order systems and their relationship to equations of arbitrary order
Math 112.
A First Course in Differential Equations, 9th Edition, Dennis G. Zill, ISBN-10: 0495108243 or ISBN-13: 9780495108245
Electronic edition
"Authors of books live with the hope that someone actually reads them." (Preface)
Zill's suggestions:
- Read the book with a pencil and paper
- Work all the examples before trying the homework, covering the solutions and filling in missing steps
- How to learn mathematics
- Basic algebra and trigonometry
- How to differentiate anything
- How to integrate reasonably straightforward functions
- How to use tables to integrate more challenging functions
I will assign homework each class to be submitted at the next class. It will be important to
work with the ideas of the current section before the next class.
I am happy to answer emails and/or see you any time I am in my office.
The TA for the course is Yao Yao. Her hours
are posted on aurora and outside
the Math Clinic (Mac 120). I also encourage you to work together, but make sure that
you understand the work you submit.
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Homework |
20% |
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Exam 1 (2/23) |
20% |
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Exam 2 (4/3) |
20% |
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Exam 3 (5/1) |
20% |
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Final Exam (5/13, 9 AM) |
20% |