Calculus III & Differential Equations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the possibility of taking Calculus III and Differential Equations concurrently. It highlights that prerequisites can vary by institution, with some community colleges requiring Calculus III before enrolling in Differential Equations, while other universities allow students to take them simultaneously. Participants suggest that students should consult their instructors or department advisors for specific guidance. The conversation also touches on the feasibility of handling a semester with Calculus III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Analytic Physics, with opinions indicating that it could be manageable if the student is comfortable with derivatives, integrals, and basic linear algebra concepts. Overall, the consensus emphasizes the importance of understanding individual course requirements and personal capability when planning course loads.
offtheleft
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Can both of these classes be taken concurrently? I'm not sure but I think, at my community college, Calculus III is a prerequisite to Differential Equations but, a few friends from Rutgers and TCNJ have taken Differential Eq's before Calc 3. I guess it's different everywhere and I'm just curious if anyone on here thinks I may have been deceived or that taking both classes concurrently is a probability.

I'd also like to ask, in conjunction to my original question, would a semester containing: Calculus III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra and Analytic Physics, be too hard?
 
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offtheleft said:
I guess it's different everywhere

Yes, it can be, which means the best course is to ask the instructors or someone else in that department who is familiar with those courses, as they are taught there.
 
Calculus III and Linear Algebra would actually probably be quite interesting to take together.

I haven't taken Diff-EQ yet (Registered to take it this spring), nor have I taken Analytic Physics, so unfortunately I can't help you there.
 
I took Diff Eq before Calc 3 and did just fine. If you can do derivatives, integrals, and find the eigenvalues and determinant of a 2x2 matrix, then you're good for Diff Eq. They will probably start using multivariable functions without introducing them first, but if you're taking Calc 3 at the same time you'll be fine in that regard.

My school teaches basic linear algebra in Calc 2, so I learned how to find eigenvalues and determinants then. If linear algebra isn't a pre-req for Diff Eq at your school then I'm guessing that they'll teach you what you need to know in either Calc 3 or Diff Eq.
 
calc II is the prereq for linear algebra.
 
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