Lesson 20 Introduction

Lesson 20

Introduction to Differential Equations

Welcome

In this lesson we will explore the graphs of 1^st, 2^nd and n^th order differential equations. Differential equation graphs play an important role in many fields of engineering and physics. The graphs can help us visualize a solution to differential equations that may not be found otherwise.

Lesson Goals

To be able to graph a 1^st order equation
To be able to graph a 2^nd order equation
To be able to graph an n^th order equation
To understand what a slope field is

In Lesson 20 you will learn how to:

Graph 1^st, 2^nd and n^th order differential equations
Draw a solution curve by providing an intial value
Draw a solution curve by plotting a point
Solve a differential equation using dsolve
Solve a differential equation using Laplace

Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to answer the following questions:

How do you change the DiffEq editor into a 1^st order differential equation?
What is the used for?
What dialog do you open to change the Step size?
What is the IC page used for?

Time Required

About 60 minutes.