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Online Course

Differential Equations: 2x2 Systems

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX

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Overview

Differential equations are the language of the models we use to describe the world around us. Most phenomena require not a single differential equation, but a system of coupled differential equations. In this course, we will develop the mathematical toolset needed to understand 2x2 systems of first order linear and nonlinear differential equations. We will use 2x2 systems and matrices to model:

  • predator-prey populations in an ecosystem,
  • competition for tourism between two states,
  • the temperature profile of a soft boiling egg,
  • automobile suspensions for a smooth ride,
  • pendulums, and
  • RLC circuits that tune to specific frequencies.

The five modules in this seriesare being offered as an XSeries on edX. Please visit the Differential EquationsXSeries Program Page to learn more and to enroll in the modules.

  • Wolf photo by Arne von Brill on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
  • Rabbit photo by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Syllabus

Unit 1: Linear 2x2 systems
1. Introduction to systems of differential equations
2. Solving 2x2 homogeneous linear systems of differential equations
3. Complex eigenvalues, phase portraits, and energy
4. The trace-determinant plane and stability

Unit 2: Nonlinear 2x2 systems

5. Linear approximation of autonomous systems
6. Stability of autonomous systems
7. Nonlinear pendulum

Taught by

David Jerison

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Reviews for edX's Differential Equations: 2x2 Systems Based on 4 reviews

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Anonymous
Anonymous completed this course.
Excellent course. Touched a little bit of linear algebra and convey the beauty between these subject. The notes are very easy to comprehend and explain every topic so well. The videos are also excellent. Hope to see more courses from the math department of MIT.
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JZ
Jinqiang Z
by Jinqiang completed this course.
The course is a high standard and complete course. The applications used for showing different scenarios are rich: From Romeo & Juliet to typical Predator & Pray and more.

I feel I had a very good understanding in 2X2 system now.
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Dna47a D
Dna47a completed this course.
An excellent course. The video lectures, the exercise questions, the mathlets and the recitation problems together are great. The staff have done an outstanding job to bring this course on the edx platform. Thank you Jen French.
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GP
Gaetano P
by Gaetano completed this course, spending 4 hours a week on it and found the course difficulty to be medium.
Interesting course. Lectures, homeworks and review exercises of any part are really well setup. One of the best MOOC on topic of differential equations.
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