Why am I struggling with Differential Equations?

[Skrew]

My problem with my first ODE class was that theory was ignored for a lot of it.

Maybe that's the case with your class.

 

[RoshanBBQ]

Here's my advice:

1.) You can use MIT lectures. There is one for differential equations. http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-03-differential-equations-spring-2010/ Heck, there are also some assignments and solutions. See if you are on par with an MIT student!

2.) I found that signals and systems helped piece differential equations together for me a bit. You might want to consider looking into buying a good signals and systems /controls book as a supplement. Its entire mission is to approach differential equations in the most manageable style possible.

 

[20Tauri]

I did fine in calculus, and I'm taking Differential Equations now. Our book is pretty terrible--it's Borelli and Coleman, I think? I do okay solving the equations, but I am confused a lot of the time. I think about half my problems are due to not really understanding the theory behind what we're doing, and half due to forgetting things from linear algebra and calculus, because I took those a while ago. Going over the book and the notes helps. If there's someone in your class who understands the material better than you do, it might be helpful to do homework together and talk through it.