Solving second-order ordinary differential equations without using complex numbers

Author: Kougias, Ioannis E.

Source: Teaching Mathematics and its Applications, Volume 28, Number 2, 23 June 2009 , pp. 101-108(8)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $42.29 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is a subject with a wide range of applications and the need of introducing it to students often arises in the last year of high school, as well as in the early stages of tertiary education. The usual methods of solving second-order ODEs with constant coefficients, among others, rely upon the use of complex variable analysis, a topic to which the students in question may not have been previously introduced. The purpose of this article is to present an alternative approach in establishing the general solution for such types of equations without using complex numbers.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/teamat/hrp007

Publication date: 2009-06-23

More about this publication?

The journal provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences which contribute to the improvement of mathematics teaching and learning for students from upper secondary/high school level through to university first degree level. A distinctive feature of the journal is its emphasis on the applications of mathematics and mathematical modelling within the context of mathematics education world-wide. The journal's readership consists of mathematics teachers, students, researchers and those concerned with curriculum development and assessment, indeed anyone concerned about the education of users of mathematics.