Calculus III & Differential Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of taking Calculus III and Differential Equations concurrently, including considerations of prerequisites and the difficulty of combining these courses with Linear Algebra and Analytic Physics. The scope includes course planning and academic requirements at different institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether Calculus III is a prerequisite for Differential Equations at their community college, noting that experiences vary at different institutions.
  • Another participant suggests that the best approach is to consult instructors or department representatives for accurate information regarding course prerequisites.
  • A participant mentions that taking Calculus III and Linear Algebra together could be interesting, although they lack experience with Differential Equations and Analytic Physics.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of successfully taking Differential Equations before Calculus III, indicating that familiarity with derivatives, integrals, and basic linear algebra concepts is sufficient for success in Differential Equations.
  • A participant notes that their school teaches basic linear algebra in Calculus II, implying that prior knowledge may vary by institution.
  • Another participant states that Calculus II is a prerequisite for Linear Algebra, which may influence the sequence of courses taken.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether Calculus III must precede Differential Equations, indicating that experiences and requirements differ across institutions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal course sequence.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying institutional policies on prerequisites, differing levels of preparedness among students, and the potential for differing course content across schools.

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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