Math 2280 - SyllabusUniversity of UtahSpring 20081 Basic InformationInstructor - Patrick Dylan ZwickEmail - [email protected] - 801-651-8768Office Hour - 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM on ThursdaysOffice - JWB Math Building Room 214Webpage - http://www.math.utah.edu/˜zwick/Meeting Time - MTWF 8:35 AM - 9:25 AMMeeting Location - LCB 215Textbook - Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems by Ed-wards and Penney, Fourth Edition2 Course DescriptionMath 2280 is an intruductory course on ordinary differential equationsthat is designed as the second half of a year long course in linear method inmathematics. The first pa rt of this course is math 2270, the linear algebracourse, and you will be expected to understand and be able to use the ma-terial from that course. The other prerequisite is knowledge of both singleand multivariable calculus, with a strong problem solving background insingle variable calculus. The ideas and methods from these classes are thefoundation for our study of differe n tial equations.1This class is designed as an intermediate class for math majors, and assuch it is a fair amount of work. We will be working through the entiretextbook during this semester, so the class will move pretty fast. It is es-sential that you keep up in class and stay on top of things if you want tolearn the material.In the class we will cover linear ordinary differential equations, bothof first order and higher order, along with both linear and nonlinear sys-tems of differential equations. We will also cover more advanced methodsfor solving differential equations; such as Laplace transforms, power se-ries, and Fourier series. We will conclude with an introductory study ofboundary value problems, which will i ntroduce you to some of the prob-lems in pa rtial differential equations.Solving differential equations is hard, and in many cases impossible. Inthis class we cover the basic concepts behind them, including what makesthem hard, and we introduce known methods for solving certain commonand simple differential equations. One of the most, if not the most, pow-erful tool in modern mathematics for solving differential equations is theuse of computers. As this is such an important tool, the use of computersand the mathematical problem solving application Maple will be a majorpart of this class.Note that all handouts, announcements, and important information forthe class will be posted on the webpage, so please che ck that often to makesure you’re up to speed with the class.3 Homework, Exams, and Grades3.1 HomeworkThere will be homework assignments for this class every week. These willbe assigned as well as suggested problems from the textbook. Each weekI will choose two or three homework problems to grade from the set ofassigned problems. Homework will be assigned in class every Wednesday,and it will be d o on Friday of the next week. So, for example, the firsthomework assignment will be assigned on Wednesday, January 9th andwill be due on Friday, January 18th.I will be posting solutions to the homework on the Tuesday after it isdue. Also, in calculating your homework grade I will drop the lowest2homework score, so you are allowed to miss one homework assignmentduring the semester. I also tend to be reasonably understanding about latehomework (that’s why I don’t post solutions until the Tuesday after it’sdue) as long as you give me a good reason and you don’t take ad vantageof my generosity.Along with your weekly homework from the book there will be twoMaple projects assigned during the semester. The first of these will go outat the end of the second week of class.3.2 ExamsDuring the semester there will be three quizz es and a comprehensive final.Your final grade can be used to replace your lowest quiz score if this willimprove your grade. Note that this allows you to miss a quiz without itruining your grade, but if you do miss a quiz it puts extra emphasis on thefinal.3.3 GradesThe grade breakdown for the class will be:Homework - 30%Maple Projects - 10%Quizzes - 30%Final - 30%If you do better on the final than on one of the quizzes, I’ll make thefinal worth 40% of your grade and drop the lowest quiz score.What percentage ranges will map to what grades is not predetermined,and will be decided based upon class scores and the difficulty of the e