Differential Equations after two years?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

I started engineering a few years back. I’m applying back to my school for it. I completed all of my calculus. I saw on my degree plan that I’ll need to take differential equations.
I’m super worried about it since it was so long that I took calculus. What parts of calculus should I study to prepare for differential equations? I have no idea what it entails. But I want to do well in it!

2

Differentiation and integration of exponential functions will be commonly used.

3

Thanks @ucbalumnus
Is ordinary differential equations harder than calculus?

4

That’s a question with a variable answer. If you are solid on your algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, then differential equations will probably be a breeze. If you aren’t solid on those they your mileage will vary pretty substantially. I initially struggled in differential equations not because the source material is exceedingly difficult, but because of some preparation issues and course format issues.

5

Thanks for the heads up @boneh3ad
Do you have any advice on what to study to prepare?

6

Try this quiz covering calculus topics that are most important as prerequisites to differential equations:
http://www.math.buffalo.edu/rur/rurode7.cgi

If you find any topics difficult, you may want to review those topics. Here is a free calculus book if you do not have one:
http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-18-001-calculus-online-textbook-spring-2005/textbook/