MTH 442
Introduction to
Difference Equations
Course Information and Syllabus, Spring 2020
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
About the Course: This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of difference equations for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. Difference equations appear in situations where the (n + 1)st generation (or state) of a system depends upon some previous generations (or states). Such equations also appear naturally as discrete analogues of differential equations, and as numerical solutions of differential equations that model various diverse phenomena in biology, ecology, physiology, physics, engineering, economics, and other areas. In addition to performing mathematical analysis of difference equations, with the aid of a Computer Algebra System (Mathematica) you will experiment with difference equations, and discover that such equations possess fascinating properties with a great amount of structure. Some of these computer observations may be cast as theorems that you discover and prove!
Electronic Devices:
The exams and quizzes are of open book type. Cell phones, ipads, ipods, etc. should be
turned o during the quizzes and exams. Excepted from this are electronic pads and laptops
used for notetaking. In particular laptops with electronic version of the book are allowed.
Calculators are permitted in this class.
Topics:
1. Introduction to Difference Equations
2. First order Difference Equations
3. Linear equations with constant coefficients and variable coefficients
4. Stability in both hyperbolic and non-hyperbolic cases, bifurcations
5. Linear theory for two dimensional systems of difference equations,
6. Equilibrium solutions, stability, periodic solutions
7. Period-doubling bifurcation
8. Global dynamics for second order difference equations.
Outcomes:
At the end of the semester, the student will be able to
1. Classify a given difference equation according to its type.
2. Investigate numerically, graphically and analytically, properties of solutions to difference equations
such as convergence to equilibria or periodic points, boundedness, chaotic behavior.
3. Find equilibrium and periodic solutions to autonomous scalar or planar difference equations, and
investigate their stability properties.
4. Analyze difference equations models by using computational and analytic tools.
5. Find and classify by type the bifurcation points of difference equations models.
6. Use computer simulations to make conjectures on the properties of solutions to difference equations,
and use mathematical analysis and other techniques to prove or disprove conjectures or claims about
difference equations.
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.
TWO TESTS: 50 percent (25 percent each)
Mathematica
PROJECTS, QUIZZES, AND HOMEWORK: 30 percent
FINAL PROJECT: 20
percent
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 the simulation package Dynamica which will be used for all simulation purposes. No programming is needed.
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: MW: 9-10:30 and by appointment.
Time: MWF: 11-11:50
Place: Avedisan Hall 105
Illness Due to Flu
The nation is experiencing widespread influenza-like illness. If any of us develop flu-like symptoms, we are being advised to stay home until the fever has subsided for 24 hours. So, if you exhibit such symptoms, please do not come to class. Notify me at 874-xxxx or xxx@uri.edu of your status, and we will communicate through the medium we have established for the class. We will work together to ensure that course instruction and work is completed for the semester.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have posted simple methods to avoid transmission of illness. These include: covering your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing; frequent washing or sanitizing your hands; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and staying home when you are sick. For more information please view www.cdc.gov/flu or flu.gov . URI Health Services web page, www.health.uri.edu , will carry advice and local updates.
Special Needs:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
require the University of Rhode Island to provide academic adjustments or the accommodations
for students with documented disabilities. The student with a disability shall be responsible for
self-identi cation to the Disability Services for Students in the Oce of Student Life, provid-
ing appropriate documentation of disability, requesting accommodation in a timely manner, and
follow-through regarding accommodations requested. It is the students responsibility to make ar-
rangements for any special needs and the instructors responsibility to accommodate them with
the assistance of the Oce of Disability Services for Students. Any student with a documented
disability is welcome to contact me as early in the semester as possible so that we may arrange
reasonable accommodations. As part of this process, please be in touch with Disability Services for
Students Oce at 330 Memorial Union, 401-874-2098, http://www.uri.edu/disability/dss/.
Useful links:
1. Difference Equations at URI
2. The Dynamical Systems at Boston University
4. Fractint