Edx/BUx Introduction to Differential Equations Starts 5/16

[SolarKat]

Haha.

I have been trying to do this course for a couple of weeks, but I just can't bring myself to get past the diagnostic test. I took calculus in high school and passed the AP test, but this is obviously a bit beyond that. I've been reading some of the "Dummies" books about calculus, but it might be just a bit too much to get up to speed before the midterm. I have been going back and forth about whether to give up and just focus attention elsewhere. I don't actually need these courses, except for a side goal of gaining teaching certification in math. Is there any kind of super-focused, very relevant source for this class that could help me achieve minimum passage without Herculaen effort?

Thx.

For diff eq, you'll need calc 1. From calc 2, you'll need the integration techniques: substitution, integration by parts, trig substitution, and partial fraction decomposition. You don't need anything from calc 3 (multivar). For video tutorials, Khan Academy is useful. For written explanation, Paul's Online Math Notes are very good. You can also get the notes for Calc 1 & 2 there. There's a Shaum's Outline book for diff eq, with solved problems - it's not expensive. Coursera has a couple of great free calc classes (1 & 2) by Jim Fowler of Ohio State - personally I love his videos because he tries to make it relevant, rather than just dry theory.

DiffE is not easy, though personally I think calc 2 is the make-or-break link in the whole sequence.