<p>Can anyone explain the difference between the two series and reasons to take one or the other?</p>
<p>also, are you allowed to take Appliedmath 21a and then Math 21b (or vice versa?). Because it looks like i might want to do that to avoid having 2 finals on the same days when i look at exam groups for my other classes im thinking of taking.</p>
<p>Also, does anyone have experience taking 2 finals in the same day? how is it?</p>
<p>I took 21a and had a friend who took Applied 21a, so I can try to offer some perspective. My understanding is that Applied 21a covers much of the same material as 21a but spends less time going into theory. Most math people would argue that 21a doesn’t really go into much theory either, though it does so more than Applied 21a. There are technically no prerequisites for 21b, though most students take 21a beforehand. Applied 21a will give you the partial derivative background you need for 21b but you may find the way 21b is taught to be a bit more abstract and daunting then what you grow used to in Applied 21a. </p>
<p>Honestly? I don’t think you’ll have an issue. Maybe a math concentrator can back me up on this. Just don’t take Applied Math classes if you want to be a normal Math concentrator.</p>