Courses Do I need differentials before partial differentials?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around course selection for mathematics classes, specifically differential equations and partial differential equations. Participants express concern about prerequisites, noting that differential equations typically require a background in calculus 3 and that linear algebra is beneficial but not mandatory. One participant confirms that differential equations must be taken before partial differential equations, leading to a decision to potentially enroll in linear algebra instead. The conversation highlights the importance of linear algebra in understanding differential equations, as it involves solving systems of linear equations and working with eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Additionally, ordinary differential equations (ODE) are mentioned as being relatively straightforward and potentially helpful for boosting GPA.
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I know its a ridiculous question, but I'm signing up for classes and I wanted to take differential equations and its currently filled up(for now, people drop all the time at my uni) but saw partial differential equations. I assume you need differential equations before partial differential equations, so I don't know if I should even sign up for that. If I can't take it I'm going to take linear algebra.
 
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yeah, it would make more sense. You also need a grasp of calculus 3.
 
MidgetDwarf said:
yeah, it would make more sense. You also need a grasp of calculus 3.
I've signed up for calc 3 and physics 2. They let us take calc 3 concurrently with differential equations, I was just trying to avoid unneeded filler classes to make it full time. Linear algebra isn't really required but I thought it looked interesting.
 
What does the course catalog say about prerequisites?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
What does the course catalog say about prerequisites?
I need differential equations before partial differential equations, just looked it up. Looks like linear algebra is going to be a choice to take.
 
ODE is a very easy class. Can be a GPA booster
 
Excuse my ignorance, but what does ODE stand for?
 
Ordinary Differential Equations. (as opposed to Partial Differential Equations, PDE)
 
Oh ok. Thanks!
 
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I get tripped up by TLA's sometimes, too. :-p

(Three Letter Acronyms)
 
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  • #11
If it helps, I wish linear algebra had been a prerequisite for my first class in differential equations. Linear algebra shows up everywhere, and there are big chunks of methodology in differential equations that boil down to solving a system of linear equations or finding eigenvalues or eigenvectors.
 
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