Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

MATH 40 - Differential Equations

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU/UC
Prerequisite
MATH C2220
Unit(s)
4.00
  • Lecture: 68.00 Contact hours/136.00 Out of class hours/204.00 Total hours/4.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 68.00 Contact hours/136.00 Out of class hours/204.00 Total hours/4.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: The course is an introduction to ordinary differential equations including both quantitative and qualitative methods as well as applications from a variety of disciplines. Introduces the theoretical aspects of differential equations, including establishing when solution(s) exist, and techniques for obtaining solutions, including, series solutions, and singular points, Laplace transforms and linear systems. (C-ID MATH 240).

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Create and analyze mathematical models using ordinary differential equations.
  2. Identify the type of a given differential equation and select and apply the appropriate analytical technique for finding the solution of first order and selected higher order ordinary differential equations.
  3. Apply the existence and uniqueness theorems for ordinary differential equations.
  4. Find power series solutions to ordinary differential equations.
  5. Determine the Laplace Transform and inverse Laplace Transform of functions.
  6. Solve Linear Systems of ordinary differential equations.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Solutions of ordinary differential equations

2.00

First order differential equations including separable, homogeneous, exact, and linear

12.00

Existence and uniqueness of solutions

2.00

Applications of first order differential equations such as circuits, mixture problems, population modeling, orthogonal trajectories, and slope fields

9.00

Second order and higher order linear differential equations; variation of parameters and undetermined coefficients

5.00

Fundamental solutions, independence, Wronskian

3.00

Nonhomogeneous equations

3.00

Applications of higher order differential equations such as the harmonic oscillator and circuits

8.00

Variation of parameters

2.00

Laplace Transforms

8.00

Series solutions

8.00

Systems of Ordinary differential equations

6.00
Total Hours:68.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Collaborative Group Work
  2. Discussion
  3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  4. Lecture

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Class Assignments and Class Response, Daily Homework Assignments, where the student will demonstrate problem-solving
    skills

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read the "Illustrated Applications" in the first chapter of your book and be prepared to discuss your favorites in class.
  2. Read the instructor's handout on "Chaos Theory" and be prepared to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Write a short (2 - 4 pages) paper on the life of a mathematician discussed in class and be prepared to give a short talk about this person based on your paper.
  2. Write a short (1 - 2 pages) paper on how this class will fit into your major and give specific examples of ordinary differential equations that you believe you might use.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Interview someone who uses differential equations in their job and find out how the equation is used. The only restriction is that the person you interview cannot be a mathematics teacher.
  2. Find an application of a differential equation that is surprising to you and be prepared to share your find with other students in the class.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

Zill, D. G. (2001). A First Course in Differential Equations, The Classic Fifth Edition. Cengage Learning, 5.

Zill, Dennis G. (2018). Differential Equations with Modeling Applications. Cengage Learning, 11th.

Other Learning Materials

Graphing calculator

Minimum Qualifications

Mathematics (Masters Required)