Separation of Variables in 2 Dimensions: A Laplace Equation Primer

[bmrick]

So I'm currently taking electricity and magnetism and I'm expected to know how to perform a separation of variables on laplace equation in 2 dimensions.I have taken Zero differntial equations courses and I literally have no freaking idea what's going on. The book I use doesn't spend any time explaining the basics of separation of variables. Is there a fast track way of understanding this special case or am I going to have to cram half a semester of diff eq for this to make any sense?

 

[jtbell]

Do the prerequisites for the course include differential equations, or some other course like math methods that would include some differential equations? If not, then I think you should raise this issue with the instructor (politely, of course).

 

[bmrick]

It does require a modeling class. I don't remember doing this in class but it was all so hand wavy I didn't pay too close attention. I'll check my book. Thanks for the insight