This exam will be held during regular class time on Thursday March 11. Remember, you can use only basic (or scientific) non-graphing calculators, though in fact a calculator is not necessary at all.

The exam will cover sections 3.1-3.5 and 3.8. It will be out of 55 points.

Here are some things the exam will cover (but it is not limited to these items):

1. Finding a general solution to a linear constant coefficient homogeneous equation, using the characteristic equation.

2. Finding a particular solution to a non-homogeneous linear equation, using the method of undetermined coefficients. I'll provide the general format for a trial solution (e.g. the table in figure 3.5.1 on page 202) but you have to know how to use it (e.g. dealing with duplication).

3. The theory of nth order linear equations, as summarized on the handout sheet (here).

4. Writing A cos(wx) + B sin(wx) in the form C cos(wx - alpha).

5. Determining whether a given number is an eigenvalue for an endpoint problem, and finding an eigenfunction.

The exam will not cover Euler's formula, pendulums, variation of parameters, whirling strings, or beam deflections. I will not ask for all the eigenvalues of an endpoint problem.

Exam problems may be similar to homework problems and quiz 2 problems. For practice you may wish to look at past exams on Darryl McCullough's web page. Be aware that these past exams don't all cover exactly the same topics as ours will.