PreCalc to Calculus II to multivariable calc?

jwxie
Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:25:57 +0000

You don’t. Many schools put differential equations and linear algebra in freshman year along with calculus. I think most of these schools accept “high-achievers” so the incoming students usually have completed calculus I or even II in high school.

My school doesn’t. We list differential equations and linear algebra (for engineer it’s linear algebra + vector calculus for engineers) in the late sophomore year. I think it makes more sense this way. The latter course is for engineers and certain physical science students (physics, biochem, etc). Because half of course is vector calculus, so it must be taken after calculus III (multi-variable + basic vectors).

DE is not needed in the entire sequences of calculus at all. You will come to one or two applications that has a lot to do with DE techniques, but they can be shown without knowing any DE techniques.