A First Course in Differential Equations

Book excerpt: Therearemanyexcellenttextsonelementarydi?erentialequationsdesignedfor the standard sophomore course. However, in spite of the fact that most courses are one semester in length, the texts have evolved into calculus-like pres- tations that include a large collection of methods and applications, packaged with student manuals, and Web-based notes, projects, and supplements. All of this comes in several hundred pages of text with busy formats. Most students do not have the time or desire to read voluminous texts and explore internet supplements. The format of this di?erential equations book is di?erent; it is a one-semester, brief treatment of the basic ideas, models, and solution methods. Itslimitedcoverageplacesitsomewherebetweenanoutlineandadetailedte- book. I have tried to write concisely, to the point, and in plain language. Many worked examples and exercises are included. A student who works through this primer will have the tools to go to the next level in applying di?erential eq- tions to problems in engineering, science, and applied mathematics. It can give some instructors, who want more concise coverage, an alternative to existing texts.