Catalog Description

Differential equations, first order equations, theory of higher order linear differential equations, Laplace transforms, solutions of systems of differential equations using operator and matrix methods. Some series solution and nonlinear problems. Prerequisite: MA142 or equivalent.

Software

While not absolutely required, using computational software or a sophisticated calculator can provide an increased level of understanding and make this class more enjoyable. If you have access to and are familiar with Mathematica, MATLAB, or MathCad you are encouraged to use any of these as you do your work in this course.

There are open-source programs that you may use as well. Two that we use here are Octave, SAGE. These are installed on some of the college's computers and both are available for download so you can use them on your own computer.

Helpful Links

From time-to-time during the semester we may make use of web-based resources; links to them will be provided here.

• Direction Field Plotter

• Phase plane portraits of autonomous systems (Can also be used to draw direction fields: to do this use x' = 1)

• First order numerical ODE solver

• SAGE Notebook Server

• Overview of Heavyside Method for Partial Fractions

• Conversion guide documenting changes between the 7th and 8th edition of the text (use at your own risk)