Math 2250: Differential Equations / Linear Algebra

Instructor: John Schweitzer

Office: Library Square 004A
Email: Schweitzer.john@gmail.com
Phone: 801-957-2025
Website: CANVAS
Dept. Website: https://sites.google.edu/site/slccmathdepartment
Grading

Homework
4 Exams
Final

30%
45%
25%

Text:
Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, 2nd edition
Author: Jerry Farlow, James E. Hall, Jean Marie McDill, Beverly H. West
Prentice Hall (publisher)
OBJECTIVE: We develop standard classical techniques of solving ordinary differential
equations including first order equations, second and higher order linear equations, systems, and
Laplace transforms. We also examine the qualitative nature of solutions and study numerical
methods to obtain solutions. Applications include population models, motion and resonance,
equilibrium solutions, and electric circuits. The linear algebra portion includes the study of
systems which may have none, one, or infinitely many solutions; vectors, determinants, matrices,
and eigenvalues as they relate to solving systems of linear equations and systems of differential
equations
MATERIALS: Besides the mentioned text, you will need to obtain a basic scientific calculator
(TI-30XS recommended)
Homework Each section covered will have a homework assignment. Homework will come in
a variety of forms including exercises from the book, projects, and analysis. Submit your papers
in a neat and orderly fashionthey will be evaluated. Sloppy papers will be returned
unread with no credit. There are two aspects to a good paper: content and presentation.
This course emphasizes both since they are equally important. I may return an assignment to be
polished if I feel it needs help with presentation or accuracy. To do well in this course you
must complete the homework. Learn the whys of your homework, not just the hows!!
Specifics on how homework is to be presented:

All homework is to be done in pencil.

Late homework will be penalized 50%
Sloppy work will not be accepted.
Organized !!!

Turn in your homework paper in the format indicated in the diagram below. Clearly separate
problems and identify your answer, sometimes a box is appropriate. Present papers with
pridecontent and presentation are equally important.

Staple in upper
left corner.

Your Name
Math 2250
Diff Eq & LA
Problem Set

Computer Labs: There may be computer labs assigned as homework. All relevant software
is accessible in the Math Dept. Lab and other labs around campus.
Opportunities: We will have 4 mid-term opportunities and a comprehensive final to show off
all that we have learned. Of the 4 mid-terms the lowest of them will only count for 3% of your
grade, the other 3 will count for 42%. It is a SLCC department policy that a student attaining a
score of less than 60% on the final shall receive a grade no higher than D for the course
Calculator Policy: Graphing calculators and computer algebra systems are useful tools for
demonstrating concepts and facilitating problem solving. They are not a substitute for learning
the fundamental concepts of this course. Some homework assignments and projects may require
the use of a graphing calculator, but it is department policy that no more than basic scientific
calculators be allowed on quizzes, exams or finals.
GRADING: Grades will be awarded as follows, please do not argue your grade at the end of the
semester. Plan ahead to earn the grade you deserve
A 100 - 93%
A- 92 - 90%
B+ 89 - 87%
B 86 - 83%
B- 82 - 80%
C+ 79 - 77%

C 76 - 73%
C- 72 - 70%
D+ 69 - 67%
D 66 - 63%
D- 62 - 60%
E below 60%

Accomodations: Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring

accommodations or services under ADA, should contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
The DRC determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these accommodations and
services for the college. Please contact the DRC at the Student Center, Suite 244, Redwood
Campus, 4600 So. Redwood Rd, 84123. Phone: (801) 957-4659, TTY: 957-4646, Fax: 9574947 or by drc@slcc.edu
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: SLCC is committed to fostering and assessing the
following student learning outcomes in its programs and courses:
* Acquiring substantive knowledge in the field of their choice
* Developing quantitative literacy
* Developing the knowledge and skills to be civically engaged
* Thinking critically
* Communicating effectively
1

First Order Differential Equations

1.1 Dynamical Systems: Modeling
1.2 Solutions and Direction Fields
1.3 Separation of Variables

1.4 Approximation Methods (after sect 2.4)

1.5 Picards Theorem
2

Linearity and Nonlinearity

2.1 Linear Equations
2.2 Solving First-Order Linear Differential Equations
2.3 Growth and Decay Phenomena
2.4 Linear Models: Mixing and Cooling
2.5 Nonlinear Models: Logistic Equation
2.6 Systems of Differential Equations

Linear Algebra
3.1 Matrices
3.2 Systems of Linear Equations
3.3 The Inverse of a Matrix
3.4 Determinants and Cramers Rule
3.5 Vector Spaces and Subspaces
3.6 Basis and Dimension

Linear Differential Equations

4.1 The Harmonic Oscillator
4.2 Real Characteristic Roots
4.3 Complex Characteristic Roots
4.4 Undetermined Coefficients
4.5 Variation of Parameters
4.6 Forced Oscillations

Linear Transformations
5.1 Linear Transformations
5.2 Properties of Linear Transformations
5.3 Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

Linear Systems of Differential Equations

6.1 Theory of Linear DE Systems
6.2 Linear Systems with Real Eigenvalues
6.3 Linear Systems with Nonreal Eigenvalues

Laplace Transform
8.1 The Laplace Transform and its Inverse
8.2 Solving DEs and IVPs with Laplace Transform
8.3 The Step Function and the Delta Function
8.4 The Convolution Integral and the Transfer Function