A differential equation is an equation that relates a function to one or more of its derivatives.
– The above rather boring description does little to convey just how fundamental, widespread, and amazingly effective differential equations are in describing the world around us.
– Examples: Anything in motion. Also, many things that are not in motion. Also, many additional things to which the word “motion” does not really apply.
– Further examples: spaceships in orbit, populations growing and shrinking, a cup of coffee slowly cooling, springs bouncing, financial markets rising and falling, electrical current flowing through a circuit, ocean waves, sound waves, light waves, vibrations in musical instruments and airplane wings and suspension bridges,
– More examples: Pretty much everything.
Topics include methods of solving ordinary differential equations and applications to various problems.
Course Avatar and Site Header from a photo by Flickr user Mat Che: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcinteractivity/
Catalog description:
Continuation of CET 4705. Further design of subsystems requiring solution by differential equations. Worst-case designs and component tolerances, development of control systems. A term project may be assigned.
A continuation of MAT 1475. Topics include Taylor polynomials, Mean Value Theorem, Taylor and Maclaurin series, tests of convergence, techniques of integration, improper integrals, areas, volumes and arc lengths.
