Math 2171 Course Outlines

Course Outlines for MATH 2171

Week 1: Background; Solutions and Initial Value Problems

Week 2: Direction Fields; Euler’s Method of Numerical Approximation

Week 3: Introduction to First Order Equations; Separable Equations

Week 4: Linear Equations; Exact Equations; Review for test 1

Week 5: Test 1; Substitutions and transformations

Week 6: Mathematical Modeling (or Compartmental Analysis or
Newton’s Law of Cooling); Newtonian Mechanics

Week 7: Electrical Circuits; Improved Euler Method; Higher Order Numerical Methods

Week 8: Introduction to Second Order Equations; Homogeneous Linear Equations

Week 9: Auxiliary Equations with Complex Roots; Undetermined Coefficients; Review for Test 2

Week 10: Test 2; Superposition; Variation of Parameters

Week 11: Free Mechanical Vibrations; Forced Mechanical Vibrations; RLC Circuits

Week 12: Introduction to Laplace Transforms; Defintion of the Laplace Transform; Properties of the Laplace Transform

Week 13: The Inverse Laplace Transform; Solving Initial Value Problems Using the Laplace Transform

Week 14: Transforms of Discontinuous and Periodic Functions; Review for Test 3

Week 15: Test 3; Impluses and the Dirac Delta Function

Week 16: Review for Final

Examinations: The number and timing of in-class exams is the prerogative of the individual instructor. Three
equally spaced examinations are recommended. A final exam is required and must be a significant
factor in the course grade.