MATH 2250-007
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
Spring 2012
When:
Where:
Instructor:
Office:
Office hours:
Email:
Telephone:
Web:
Class webpage:
Text:
Discussion Sections
Instructor:
Office:
Office hours:
Email:
Web:
2250-008:
2250-009:
T, Th 12:55-2:40 p.m.
JWB 335
Parker Childs
LCB 318
M 3:00-5:00 p.m. (and by appointment)
parker@math.utah.edu
801 581 8340
www.math.utah.edu/~parker
www.math.utah.edu/~parker/teaching/math2250_spring2012
Differential Equations & Linear Algebra,
by C. Henry Edwards & David E. Penney
ISBN: 978-0-13-605425-2 or 0-536-85973-6 (Custom Edition)
Anna Miller
LCB 305
T 3:00-3:50
amiller@math.utah.edu
http://www.math.utah.edu/~amiller
W 12:55-01:45 p.m., JWB 335
W 2:00-02:50 p.m., JWB 335
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MATH 2210 OR MATH 1260 OR MATH 1280 OR
((MATH 1220 OR MATH 1250 OR MATH 1270 OR AP Calculus BC score of 5) AND PHYS 2210
OR PHYS 3210). In short, you should know how to work with parametric curves, and should have
a basic understanding of multivariable calculus.
Description: We will cover most of the material in chapters 1-10 of the text, omitting only
a section or two. This is A LOT of material to learn, so be prepared to put a lot of time into
this class. We will begin in chapters 1 and 2 with first-order differential equations and discuss
some simple models of physical and biological processes. After learning something of analytical
and numerical techniques for solving them and the meaning the associated graphs, we will need
to take a detour into linear algebra. Chapters 3 and 4 contain information we need about matrices and vector spaces. This will allow us to move to chapter 5 and solve some higher order
linear DE’s. Also, at this point we will probably skip to chapter 10 to learn to use the Laplace
transform. Then it’s back to chapter 6 for some more linear algebra: Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors specifically. We need these tools to solve the linear systems of DE’s in chapter 7. Chapter
8 provides an elegant unification of the linear algebra with the differential equation theory. We
may not be able to spend much time on this chapter, because we definitely do want to spend time
in chapter 9. In chapter 9, we will talk about certain non-linear (and more interesting) systems
of DE’s and learn how to understand phase plane analysis, probably with more biological examples.
Homework: A homework assignment will be posted on the class website each day we have a
lecture and will be due one week from the day it is posted. Several problems on each assignment
1
will be graded. You are welcome (encouraged even) to work with others on the assignments. Each
person must turn in their own assignment, however, and copying your friends will not do you much
good on the exams. You must show your work, staple all your pages together, and write
neatly to receive credit. Homework is due at the beginning of class, and late homework will
not be accepted. Your three lowest homework scores will be dropped at the end of the semester.
In addition to the regular homework problems from the book, by agreement with the College of
Engineering, part of the course requirement consists of computer projects. The computer projects
assigned in this course will be written in Maple or Matlab.
Quizzes: There will be a quiz approximately once a week (maybe a little less frequently). This
is partly to encourage attendance in class, but mainly so I can see how well the material we’re
working on is understood. It is easy to fall behind in a class when we have to cover almost a
chapter each week. My goal is to help everyone stay caught up. Quizzes are a good gauge for that.
The two lowest quizzes will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Exams: There will be two midterms and one comprehensive final exam. The midterms will
be held in your discussion sections and the final is at the time specified by the University. Exam
dates are as follows.
Midterms:
Final:
Wednesday, February 15
Wednesday, March 28
Wednesday, May 2; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Grading: Your course grade will be weighted as follows.
Homework & Maple Projects: 30%
Quizzes
10%
Midterm 1:
15%
Midterm 2:
15%
Final:
30%
Course grades will be determined using the percentage of the total possible points earned.
Discussion Sections: Attendance at your discussion section is not mandatory, but is HIGHLY
encouraged (read mandatory). Your discussion section is your best chance to ask questions and
learn things you may have found unclear in class. Also, a few discussion sections will be used as
times to learn Maple and work on the projects. Both midterms will be administered during your
discussion section.
Getting Help: You are welcome to drop by my office any time. I’m often there, but I’ll kick you
out if I’m busy. I’m guaranteed to be there during my posted office hours. You can also get help in
the Math Center in the basement between LCB and JWB. It is open 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. M-Th, 8:00
a.m. - 6:00 p.m. F. More information at http://www.math.utah.edu/ugrad/mathcenter.html
ADA statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accommodations be made for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, systemic, learning, or psychiatric
disabilities. Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any accommodations
you may need for this course.
2