Can i teach myself Differential Equations?

Question

How difficult are Differential Equations?
Using a textbook and the internet, is it reasonable to be able to become proficcient in 3 months?

I have a year of calculus and physics under my belt .

Thanks everybody!!

I learn as well from textbooks as from lectures. My calculus takes me into advanced integration and starting multivariate calculus (calc III).

Answer 1

Depends. What's your learning style, and what's your work ethic like?

For me, I learn math best by simply studying the textbook on my own. Math classes help me impose discipline on myself (in terms of getting assignments done by some deadline), but I usually learn very little from the lectures themselves, and I hardly ever have questions to ask the professor. If you have a similar style, then sure, you should be able to learn differential equations on your own. On the other hand, if you need regular feedback from a teacher or other students, then it could be a very different story.

In any case, you'll need to be sure you have the prerequisite knowledge. It's been a loooong time since I had differential equations, but it came somewhere after the third university-level calculus class. Does your "year of calculus" take you to that level?

Answer 2

Teach Yourself Differential Equations

Answer 3

You may need more than just one year of calculus. I know that at my college there are several calculus classes you have to take before you can take diff'eq. On the other hand, if you get a really good textbook and a few help-books to go with it, you should be fine. You may have a little catching up to do because that class uses a lot of stuff from my calc2 class.

Answer 4

The way I see it you have to learn the mathematical methods for SOLVING the DQ's and the methods of setting up the equations themselves, which I would guess is possible with physics and calculus completed...

Try this:
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/AllBrowsers/3401/3401.asp

Answer 5

Yeah, 3 months sounds good. Granted you spend at least 2 hours a day on it.

Answer 6

It's very possible. My math teacher was on maternity leave when my class had to learn the topic, but most of us could cope and excel. If you don't understand anything, it's best to ask people who do - or you could always come to Yahoo! Answers. :P

Good luck! :)

Answer 7

if you have a year of calculus you should theoretically already know about differential equations. or atleast the basics, so I would think so.

Answer 8

it is quite easy but requires regular practice