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Published:
August 3, 2009

Differential Equations Workbook For Dummies

Overview

Tips, tricks and lots of practice to help students get a handle on these complex calculus problems

Pre-calculus classes prepare students for studies in calculus and other advanced Differential equations are essential in physics, economics, engineering, and many other scientific and technical disciplines. This new Dummies Workbook is a hands-on companion for students grappling with differential equations in classes such as calculus, AP calculus,

physics, and engineering. It features numerous practice exercises and clear, concise examples to help students improve their problem-solving skills and score better in science, math, and standardized tests. This practice-oriented workbook covers such challenging topics as first-order and second-order differential equations, constant coefficients, undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, initial-value problems, the Laplace transform, and more.

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About The Author

Steven Holzner, PhD, served on the faculty of Cornell University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is an award-winning author who has written Physics For Dummies, Quantum Physics For Dummies, and more.

Sample Chapters

differential equations workbook for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Once you’ve figured out the type of differential equation you’re dealing with, you can move on to solving the problem by using the method of undetermined coefficients or the power series method. If a stubborn equation comes your way, try using Laplace transform solutions to help.

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Articles from
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Once you’ve figured out the type of differential equation you’re dealing with, you can move on to solving the problem by using the method of undetermined coefficients or the power series method. If a stubborn equation comes your way, try using Laplace transform solutions to help.
Before you can solve a differential equation, you need to know what kind it is. There are several different types of equations, including linear, separable, exact, homogeneous, and nonhomogeneous. Linear differential equations deal solely with derivatives to the first power (forget about derivatives raised to any higher power).
Laplace transforms are a type of integral transform that are great for making unruly differential equations more manageable. Simply take the Laplace transform of the differential equation in question, solve that equation algebraically, and try to find the inverse transform. Here’s the Laplace transform of the function f (t):Check out this handy table of Laplace transforms for common functions whenever you don’t want to take the time to calculate a Laplace transform on your own.
You can solve a differential equation in a number of ways. The two most effective techniques you can use are the method of undetermined coefficients and the power series method.The method of undetermined coefficients is a useful way to solve differential equations. To apply this method, simply plug a solution that uses unknown constant coefficients into the differential equation and then solve for those coefficients by using the specified initial conditions.
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