This series consists of six book on the elementary part of the theory of real functions in one variable. It is basic in the sense that Mathematics is the language of Physics. The emhasis is laid on worked exammples, while the mathematical theory is only briefly sketched, almost without proofs. The reader is referred to the usual textbooks. The most commonly used formulæ are included in each book as a separate appendix.
Description
Preface
Content
In this volume I present some examples of Simple Differential Equations I, cf. also Calculus 1a, Functions of One Variable. Since my aim also has been to demonstrate some solution strategy I have as far as possible structured the examples according to the following form
A Awareness, i.e. a short description of what is the problem.
D Decision, i.e. a reflection over what should be done with the problem.
I Implementation, i.e. where all the calculations are made.
C Control, i.e. a test of the result.
This is an ideal form of a general procedure of solution. It can be used in any situation and it is not linked to Mathematics alone. I learned it many years ago in the Theory of Telecommunication in a situation which did not contain Mathematics at all. The student is recommended to use it also in other disciplines.
One is used to from high school immediately to proceed to I. Implementation. However, examples and problems at university level are often so complicated that it in general will be a good investment also to spend some time on the first two points above in order to be absolutely certain of what to do in a particular case. Note that the first three points, ADI, can always be performed.
This is unfortunately not the case with C Control, because it from now on may be difficult, if possible, to check one’s solution. It is only an extra securing whenever it is possible, but we cannot include it always in our solution form above.
It is my hope that these examples, of which many are treated in more ways to show that the solutions procedures are not unique, may be of some inspiration for the students who have just started their studies at the universities.
Finally, even if I have tried to write as careful as possible, I doubt that all errors have been removed. I hope that the reader will forgive me the unavoidable errors.
Leif Mejlbro
- Some theorems constantly applied in the following
- Separation of the variables
- Linear differential equation of first order
- The Existence and Uniqueness Theorem and other theoretical considerations
- The Bernoulli differential equation
- The setup of model equations
- MAPLE programmes