MTH 442
Introduction to Difference Equations

Course Information and Syllabus, Spring 2008


Text:  

M. R. S. Kulenovic and Orlando Merino, Discrete Dynamical Systems and Difference Equations with Mathematica, 
Chapman&Hall/CRC Press, 2002. www.amazon.com    

 

Lecture Notes  by E.A. Grove, M. R. S. Kulenovic and G. Ladas 

Prerequisites:  MTH 142, 243

Exams and Grading:

Course grade will be determined based on homework, take home quizzes, mid-term and final exams, Maple  projects and the final project.  The exams could be in part of the take home variety.

TWO TESTS: 45 percent 

Maple PROJECTS, QUIZZES, AND HOMEWORK: 35 percent

FINAL PROJECT: 20 percent 

The topics that will be covered are:

basic theory for linear difference equations
stability theory
periodic points
chaos for first order difference equations
fractals
applications

Computer Requirements

The use of computer algebra systems Maple is required. Maple worksheets dealing with the different problems in theory will be provided and demonstrated in the class.
Most of the exams will require some Maple calculation.

Instructor: Dr. M. Kulenovic                               Office: Tyler 216

Phone: 874-4436                                                     e-mailkulenm@math.uri.edu
Online information: www.math.uri.edu/courses or www.math.uri.edu/~kulenm

Office hours: M, T, W 1-2  and by appointment. 

Time:  T,Th: 2-3:15  

Useful links

1.  Difference Equations at URI

2.  The Dynamical Systems at Boston University

3.  Sprott's gateway

4.  Fractint 

  Maple worksheets:

Maple  format:

rsolve first order equations

rsolve higher order equations and systems

Stair-step diagrams 

Time Series Plots 

Second Order Equations and Systems