Thread: General Question about Differential Equations

My question is about differential equations as a university course.

Most colleges seem to have students take differential equations after a third class in calculus (multi-variable calculus) and then proceed to take analysis after that (assuming students keep taking math courses). Is it possible and or unusual to take analysis before differential equations? I only ask because my college seems to allow either to be taken first. Is one better to do before the other?

Thanks

Originally Posted by billa

My question is about differential equations as a university course.

Most colleges seem to have students take differential equations after a third class in calculus (multi-variable calculus) and then proceed to take analysis after that (assuming students keep taking math courses). Is it possible and or unusual to take analysis before differential equations? I only ask because my college seems to allow either to be taken first. Is one better to do before the other?

Thanks

Analysis doesn't really use any concepts from Differential Equations so, no, there is no reason why you can't take Analysis before Differential Equations.
(I would, however, strongly recommend taking Linear Algebra, as well as Multi-variable Calculus, before taking Differential Equations.)

You can certainly take analysis before differential equations (I took them at the same time). However, depending on your background, it may be worth taking an introductory course in mathematical logic (some discrete math classes cover such topics). Real analysis is the rigerous definition of the foundations of calculus through proof, and previous experience in formal logic is definitely helpful.