athlee Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Can anyone comment on the usefulness of taking differential equations? I'm trying to decide whether or not I should take it next semester. What I've heard is that class is very difficult without having a background in physics (which I do not), as most of the class's focus is on physics applications and rarely delves into economics. I understand that differential equations is used in optimization theory, but if it's mostly focused on physics, then I feel like taking it wouldn't be too helpful and not worth the burden. If I were to not take it, I could take Calculus 4 next semester instead and be able to fit in Stochastic Processes in the coming year. On the other hand, Differential Eqs, in our school, has 200-level math classes listed as co-reqs meaning if I don't take it this year, I'll never have the chance to take it again. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Food4Thought Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 You should have a course in differential equations. A lot of stuff in macro, game theory, and some theoretical environmental stuff utilize things from differential equations above what youd learn in calc 2 with separable equations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Econhead Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 1. What is covered in Calc 4 2. Will you be able to take Calc 4 later if you do not take it next semester? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athlee Posted November 14, 2014 Author Share Posted November 14, 2014 1. Parametrizations, inverse and implicit functions, integrals with respect to length and area; grad, div, and curl, theorems of Green, Gauss, and Stokes 2. Yes, but taking it next semester will free up space for me to take Stochastic Processes next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob59404 Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 If you have already taken some sort of proofs related class, or will have a chance to in coming semesters, I would take diff eqs. That class will almost certainly be more applicable to the material you see in grad school. Even if it is geared towards physics, the techniques are the same. If you get to use computers that's also a plus. The main draw of calc 4 is more experience with proofs. If you are taking other higher level math courses then there is nothing to worry about by missing calc 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athlee Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 Thanks you guys :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fake22 Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 hmm by looking at what yoy would be learning in Calc IV I am sure you could teach your self ODE which is very important knowledge. So if you do not care about knowing Diff Eq without having it in your record, I would keep Calc IV. In order to be able to take Stoch Processes which is a very useful course as well. The book Mathematical Economics from Alpha Chiang is a great book to learn Diff Eq. Greetings and Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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