MTH 442
Introduction to Difference Equations
Course
Information and Syllabus, Spring 2014
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 M. R. S. Kulenovic and O. Merino
Prerequisites: MTH 142, 243
Exams and Grading:
Course grade will be determined based on
homework, quizzes,
mid-term and final exams, Mathematica projects and the final project.
The exams could be in part of the take home variety.
Grading.
TWO TESTS: 50 percent
Mathematica
PROJECTS, QUIZZES, AND HOMEWORK: 30 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
global dynamics for second order difference
equations
applications
Computer Requirements
The use of computer algebra systems Mathematica is required. Mathematica worksheets dealing with the different problems in theory will be provided and demonstrated in the class. The textbooks comes with simulation package Dynamica which will be used for all simulation purposes. No programming is needed. Most of the exams will require some Mathematica calculation.
Instructor: Dr. M. Kulenovic Office: Lippitt 202D
Phone: 874-4436
e-mail: kulenm@math.uri.edu
Online information: www.math.uri.edu/courses
or www.math.uri.edu/~kulenm
Office hours: M,W,F: 11-12 and by appointment.
Time: M,W,F: 10-10:50
Place: Lippitt 205
Useful links:
1. Difference Equations at URI
2. The Dynamical Systems at Boston University
4. Fractint