Math 246 - Sections 0111,0132 and 0142

Introductory Differential Equations with Prof. Machedon (and Section Instructor Toni Watson)
Spring, 2006


This website is designed for Math 246 discussion sections 0111, 0132 and 0142 only. While anyone is welcome to use any resources here, all policies and announcements apply only to those sections.


  • Lecture Info: MWF 1 PM – 1:50 PM in ARM 0131

  • Discussion Section Info:
    Section 0111: T 8 AM - 8:50 AM in MTH 0103
    Section 0132: T 10 AM - 10:50 AM in MTH 0409
    Section 0142: T 11 AM - 11:50 AM in MTH 0409

  • Course Syllabus


  • GTA: Toni A. Watson


  • Office: 3303 Mathematics Building

  • Office Hours:
    Thursday 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
    Tuesday 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM (in 0301)
    Wednesday 12:00pm - 12:50pm (Math Lab hour in 0301)
    and BY APPOINTMENT

  • Email: [my first name] "at" math.umd.edu

Review Sessions

for Final Exam (Saturday, 13 May 2006)

Friday, 12 May
 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
in
HJP 0226
All Study Guides currently available



Announcements:



The Final Exam is scheduled for:

Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm
in TBA


Note that this is a Uniform Final. That is, the time and date of the final cannot be rescheduled (yes, even though it is on a Saturday). If you are enrolled in more than one mathematics course with a uniform final, University policy dictates that you take the uniform final for the highest numbered course and schedule a makeup for the lower numbered courses. In particular, if you are also taking another 100 or 200 level math course, you take the uniform final for MATH 246 and schedule a makeup exam for the other course .

My two cents:

Experience has shown that the key to success is working smart. Here are some ways that you can guarantee success in this course:

Read the text as the material is covered (reading ahead is often best)
Be prepared to ask and answer questions about the material in class.
“The BEST way to learn Mathematics is to DO Mathematics.” Always attempt problems before seeking help.
Start the homework well in advance. Waiting until the last minute is ALWAYS a bad idea.
Start the homework well in advance. Waiting until the last minute is ALWAYS a bad idea.
Start the homework well in advance. Waiting until the last minute is ALWAYS a bad idea.
Expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week on the homework/reading (2 - 3 hours of work per hour of classtime).
Form a study group to discuss problems but DON'T form "Copy Sessions"
Be an active learner. Practice Mathematical Skepticism. Don't be afraid to ask "why?" or "how?"
Take advantage of all available tools: Attend class regularly, participate in class, visit office hours and always check for new announcements.


Quizzes and Solutions:


Quizzes will be given frequently throughout the semester and will be administered near the end of the discussion section. There will be approximately 7-9 quizzes throughout the semester.

Quizzes are both announced and unannounced. Each quiz covers any material, including material covered in Math 115, 140 and 141, taught before the quiz date. You will have approximately 20 minutes for each quiz. The solutions will be posted by 2 PM (of the quiz day). There will be no makeup quizzes . At the end of the term, some quiz grades will be dropped. The number of dropped quizzes will be determined within the last few weeks of class.

Quiz 1 - 02/07
Quiz 2 - 02/14 2.3-2.5 Exact Equations and Autonomous solutions
Quiz 2b - 02/14
Quiz 4 - 03/07 2.7,3.1-3.5 Second Order ODE with constant coefficients and Euler's Method
Quiz 5 - 03/14 3.6-3.8 Nonhomogenous solutions and Vibrations
Quiz 6 - 04/04 6.1-6.2 Definition of Laplace Transforms
Quiz 7 - 04/11 6.3-6.4 Applications of Laplace Transforms
Quiz 9 - 04/18 7.2-7.5 Nonhomogeneus Linear Systems


MATLAB and Solutions:


There will be 5-6 MATLAB assignements throuhout the semester. Each MATLAB assignment will be worth 10 points .

You are strongly encouraged to work in groups of three. If you wish to work in a group of two or four, contact me before the first assignment is due to obtain permission (almost invariably, permission will be granted). Every student should be working in a group. If you have special circumstances that inhibit your ability to work in a group, come to me to discuss your situation.

MATLAB Report Guidelines


Each Group should submit only one MATLAB report.

Hard copies of projects should be submitted as Published mfiles (new for MATLAB7).

Projects should be saved as "246MP[Project number].m" (e.g. 246mp8.m). Note: you don't have to save it in this format but if I use your project as the model, the file must be saved in this format before you send it to me.

When the MATLAB reports are collected, each group member will also submit an Individual Effort Report.

Late projects will be accepted with a 5 point deduction per class period (note: one day late is still considered late).

Approximately one week after each MATLAB assignment due date, I will post a model solution which is chosen from among the best student reports. After the model solution is posted, reports will no longer be accepted.

MATLAB Materials

For his Math 241 course, Professor Rosenberg has compiled several MATLAB lessons, demonstrations and mfiles. Definitely refer to this page for assistance.

Solutions


MATLAB #1 Submitted by Daniel Mahoney, Jeff Gair and Lee Considine

Submitted by






Exams:


There will be 3 Hour Exams during the semester. More information to be provided

Supplementaries:

From time to time, I'll post supplementary Handouts. They are intended to help you study for the midterms and the final exam. Many are summaries of techniques used for the quizzes, while others are extra problem sets. Occasionally, I will post review material (from previous courses) and "tangentially speaking" handouts (which I discuss special topics). I strongly encourage you to view these as well. I assure you that I won't spend time preparing and posting anything that won't be beneficial to you.

Techniques of Integration
Solutions to Exam I
Study Guide for Exam I
Study Guide for Exam II
Solutions to Exam II
Study Guide for Exam III
Solutions to Exam III


Challenge Problem:


Throughout the semester, you will be given the opportunity to flex your brain muscles by working on these challenge problems. The challenge problems are closely related to the material being discussed in the course, though they are always much more theoretical and/or require a little more thought than the regular course material.

Rules of the Challenge Problem

There will be five challenge problems throughout the semester. While there is no official deadline to submit solutions, A challenge problem will close (that is, submissions will no longer be accepted) approximately one week after a complete and correct solution is submitted. As soon as the problem closes, I will post the correct solution. Since it is impossible to tell when a correct solution will be submitted, it is best to submit your solutions as soon as possible.

This is an individual effort. However, you may consult other books or people (including classmates), as long as you acknowledge every source used.

If your solution is not correct, I will return the solution to you, without feedback. You have the option of resubmitting the solution as often as you like until the problem closes. Partial Credit is awarded but is not generous (that is, the solution must be nearly correct to receive significant credit).

Since it is sometimes difficult to differentiate original work from duplicated work, if identical solutions (i.e. clear evidence of duplication) are presented, neither solution will be accepted. If your solution is rejected for this reason, you have the option of resubmitting the solution (until the problem closes) and your maximum point value decreases by one (1) point.

Each challenge problem is worth up to 2 bonus quiz points. In particular, the points earned through solving the challenge problems can collectively replace a low quiz grade.

CP #1
Closed
Solution by Chris Pesto
CP #2
Closed
CP #3
Open
CP #4
Open
CP #5
Open


Resources:

Even the best of us need a little outside help. Here are some places that I endorse. I strongly recommend seeking outside help at the first sign of trouble (i.e. don't wait until November).

Tutoring:

Math Tutoring Lab (0301 Mathematics Building)

MATH 241 Tutors will be in the lab during the following times:
T. A. Watson Tuesday 9:00am - 9:50am
. Wednesday 12:00pm - 12:50pm
R. Hoban Thursday 2:00pm - 2:50pm
A. Lott Tuesday 4:00pm - 4:50pm
J. Mungo Friday 11:00am - 11:50am
Q. Xia Friday 9:00am - 9:50am
MATLAB Tutoring

There is a MATLAB tutor available in MTH 4307 at the following times:
Monday 2:00pm - 2:50pm
Tuesday 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Wednesday 12:00pm - 12:50pm
Learning Assistance Service (Shoemaker 2201)
Math Success Program (Easton Hall and Cambridge Community Center)
Private Tutoring (There is a list of Math Department grad student tutors in the "big window," also known as the UG office).


Online Resources:

Mathnerds
Math Forum - Ask Dr. Math

Exam Preparation:

Testbank


Life is good for only two things, discovering mathematics and teaching mathematics. --S. Poisson



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