MATH-260 Differential Equations
Description
MATH-260 consists of concepts generally encountered in a
first course in differential equations . This includes a
comprehensive treatment of first order differential equations employing a
variety of solution techniques . A study
of higher order equations, largely second order, is included with emphasis on
linear equations possessing
constant coefficients as well as variable coefficients. Classical and
contemporary applications are included
throughout that come from diverse fields such as mechanics, electrical circuits,
economics, and possibly from
areas of special student interest. Computer uses with MATHLAB software provide
an integrated environment
for symbolic, graphic, and numeric investigations of routine solutions of
differential equations and of modeling
physical phenomena. The course concludes with a discussion of Laplace transforms
and systems of linear
equations.
Prerequisites: Completion of a calculus sequence,
equivalent to MATH -182. A grade of C or better is strongly
recommended.
Statement on General Education and Liberal Learning
A liberal education prepares students to lead ethical,
productive, and creative lives and to understand how
the pursuit of lifelong learning and critical thinking fosters good citizenship.
General education courses
form the core of a liberal education within the higher education curriculum and
provide a coherent
intellectual experience for all students by introducing the fundamental concepts
and methods of inquiry in
the areas of mathematics, the physical and natural sciences, the social
sciences, the arts and the humanities,
and composition. This course is part of the general education core experience at
Howard Community
College.
Objectives: The general objective of MATH-260 is to
develop the basic ideas commonly encountered in a first
course in differential equations, to demonstrate some of their many
applications, to enhance computer/calculator
literacy, and to promote mathematical maturity for more advanced studies in
mathematics. Successful
completion of MATH-260 can be briefly described by the acquisition of the
following behaviors.
State and use basic definitions and theorems, correctly
use standard symbolism,
and accurately and quickly perform required computations both manually and
with the support of MATLAB software.
Build, solve and analyze mathematical models.
Translate the basic ideas of ordinary differential equations between their
analytic
and their graphic representations
Solve routine application problems for first and second order ordinary
differential
equations
Solve simple non-routine problems so as to extend the scope of a topic to solve
problems amid slightly altered conditions
Follow mathematical reasoning as provided in elementary proofs, develop logical
arguments, and identify mathematical patterns.
General Approach with MATLAB: The general approach
of the course falls under the following themes:
1. Existence and uniqueness of solutions
2. Dependence of solutions on initial values.
3. Derivation of formulas for solutions .
4. Numerical calculation of solutions .
5. Graphical analysis of solutions.
6. Qualitative analysis of differential equations and their solutions.
The symbolic, numerical, and graphical capabilities of
MATLAB will be used to analyze differential equations
and their solutions.
Major Topics
First Order Differential Equations
- Linear Equations with Variable Coefficients
- Separable Equations
- Modeling with First Order Equations
- Difference Between Linear and Non-linear Equations
- Exact Equations and Integrating Factors
- Numerical Approximation: Euler’s Method
- Existence and Uniqueness Theorem
Second Order and Higher order Linear Equations
- Homogeneous Equations with Constant Coefficients
- Fundamental Solutions of Linear Homogeneous Equations
- Linear Independence and The Wronskian
- Complex Roots of the Characteristic Equations
- Repeated Roots: Reduction of Order
- Non-homogeneous Equations; Method of Undetermined Coefficients
- Variation of Parameters
- Mechanical Vibrations and Electrical Oscilations
- Forced Vibrations
Series Solutions of Second Order Linear Equations
- Review of Power Series
- Series Solution near an Ordinary Point I and II
- Euler Equations
The Laplace Transform
- Definition of the Laplace Transform
- Solution of Initial Value Problems
- Step Functions
- Differential Equations with Discontinuous Forcing Functions
- Impulse Functions (Optional)
Systems of linear differential Equations
- Application Laplace transforms to systems of differential equations or the use
of the operator method
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