Series Solutions

Highlights of the activity

1. This small group activity is designed to give students practice solving a differential equation using series solution.
2. Students work in small groups to find the exact solution to y'(x) = 3x²y(x).
3. The whole class wrap-up discussion emphasizes how to choose initial coefficients and observe patterns in the recursion relation.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

This activity is an important step in building students' ability to solve differential equations using power series. Allowing them to make and correct common mistakes in class will help them substantially when solving similar problems on the homework and later in the course.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version