Need opinions on my Differential Eqations textbook

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around opinions and experiences related to the textbook "A First Course in Differential Equations" by Dennis G. Zill, particularly in the context of a differential equations class. Participants express their feelings about the effectiveness of the textbook and seek alternative recommendations for better understanding the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Textbook recommendation
  • Personal experience sharing

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with Zill's textbook, feeling that it does not provide solid explanations for the methods taught in the differential equations class.
  • Another participant recommends several alternative textbooks, including works by Martin Braun, Guterman and Nitecki, V. Arnol'd, and Harry Pollack.
  • A participant questions whether the first differential equations course is merely an introductory course that lacks depth, sharing their own feelings of not gaining insights from the material.
  • One participant suggests V. Arnol'd's book as a potential alternative, while another mentions their positive experience with Boyce and DiPrima's textbook.
  • A participant notes that their class uses Blanchard, Devaney, and Hall, describing it as one of the easiest math classes they have taken, though they question the depth of the material covered.
  • Another participant comments that Blanchard, Devaney, and Hall may not provide proofs, which could contribute to its perceived ease.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions about the effectiveness of different textbooks for learning differential equations. There is no consensus on which textbook is superior, and experiences vary widely, indicating multiple competing views on the subject.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention a lack of depth in the first differential equations course and the varying levels of rigor in different textbooks, but specific limitations or assumptions are not fully explored.

Mathgician
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I was wondering what you guys think of my textbook.
My textbook is called:

A First Course in Differential Eqations (Eight Edition)

Author: Dennis G. Zill

ISBN: 0534418783

I have been using this book for my DE class, and I do not feel like I am really learning anything. This class is very different from my other math classes, I learn methods that I am not getting a solid explanations for. Most people I've gone for help that has taken this class before have forgotten most of the materials that has been tought in this class. I want to get the most out of my DE class, is there another book you guys suggest that will help me understand DE and not forget it?
 
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i liked martin braun, and guterman and nitecki, and v. arnol'd, and the great classic by harry pollack.

there is a textbook recommendation thread here by the way.
 
Also, another question, is the first differential equations course just a beginning course that does not go indepth? I just don't feel like I am learning anything or in other words getting any insights. Tell me your experience people.
 
Mathgician said:
I have been using this book for my DE class, and I do not feel like I am really learning anything.
I can relate to that, and I suggest you take a peek at V. Arnol'd's book.

But I can't relate to

Mathgician said:
I learn methods that I am not getting a solid explanations for.

We used the book by Boyce and DiPrima when I took the class. Maybe it will help you fix that problem.
 
Yeah -- I like (second) Boyce and DiPrima as a first text.
 
My class uses Blanchard, Devaney, and Hall. It has been one of the easiest math classes I've ever taken. I don't know if this text is as advanced as texts other colleges might use, but apparently our professor taught this same course at a more pretigious university and my class is owning that class.
 
B, D and H is easy because they do not prove anything as i recall.
 

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