Aug 23, 2026  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2026-2027 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2026-2027 Academic Year)
Add to Catalog (opens a new window)

MTH 252 - Differential Equations and Linear Algebra


Description
MTH 252 is an introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. Differential equations topics include linear, separable, substitution methods (homogeneous equations), exact equations, Bernoulli; higher order differential equations; systems of linear differential equations; solutions by series, numerical methods and Laplace transforms. Numerical methods include Euler’s method, improved Euler’s Method, the Runge-Kutta Method. Linear algebra topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces and linear transformations, subspaces, dependence/independence, bases, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Real-world applications are integrated throughout the course to reinforce learning.

Was previously MA 257


Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 4
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: MTH 248  (C or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $19.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Pre-Physics, A.A. (General Transfer)
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Effectively organize communications ensuring there is a clear introduction and conclusion, the content is well sequenced, and there are appropriate transitions. 

  2. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue. 

  3. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail.

  4. Solve simple differential equations, including Separable, Homogeneous, Exact, First-Order Linear, Bernoulli’s and Reducible to 1st Order. 

  5. Apply differential equations to real-world problems.

  6. Apply properties of Matrices and Determinants in connection with their computations and applications.

  7. State definitions of Vector Space, Subspaces, Linear Dependence/Independence, Bases, Dimension, Linear Transformations and Differential Operators, and write correct proofs of statements associated with these.

  8. Solve nth order Linear Differential Equations with constant coefficients, by reduction or order, method of undertemined coefficients and variation of parameters. 

  9. Solve systems of differential equations.

  10. Find Power Series solutions to differential equations.

  11. Demonstrate numerical methods for solving differential equations, and be able to use technology to implement these methods.

  12. Define Laplace Transforms; state, prove and use properties of Laplace Transforms and their inverses; and use Laplace Transforms to solve differential equations.  


Course Outline:
I. Introduction to Differential Equations

  1. Definition of Ordinary Differential Equations
  2. General Solutions
  3. Particular Solutions
  4. Separable Equations
  5. Homogeneous Equations
  6. Change of variables
  7. Exact Equations
  8. Bernoulli’s Differential Equations
  9. First Order Linear Equations
  10. Second Order Equations Reducible to First Order
  11. Numerical Methods for First Order Differential Equations: Euler’s, modified Euler’s, and the Runge-Kutta method
  12. Applications

II. Matrices and Determinants

  1. Systems of Linear Equations
  2. Matrices and Vectors
  3. Matrix Operations
  4. Determinants
  5. Cramer’s Rule
  6. The Inverse of a Matrix

III. Vector Spaces and Linear Transformations

  1. Vector Spaces
  2. Subspaces and Spanning Sets
  3. Linear Independence of Vectors
  4. The Wronskian
  5. Basis and Dimension of a Vector Space
  6. Linear Transformations
  7. Matrix Representation of Linear Transformations
  8. Kernel and Range
  9. Differential Operators
  10. Multiplication of Differential Operators
  11. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, including Complex Numbers Case

IV. Linear Differential Equations

  1. Definition of nth Order Linear Differential Equations
  2. Solutions of Equations with Constant Coefficients
  3. Non-Constant Coefficients: Cauchy-Euler Equations
  4. General Solution of Non-Homogeneous Equations
  5. Method of Undetermined Coefficients
  6. Variation of Parameters
  7. Applications

V. Systems of Differential Equations

  1. Definition of First Order Systems
  2. Solution of Systems by Elimination or Substitution
  3. Representation of Systems by Matrices
  4. Solution of Systems by Eigenvectors
  5. Non-Homogeneous Linear Systems
  6. Applications

VI. Series Solutions

  1. Power Series
  2. Taylor Series
  3. Operations with Series including re-indexing
  4. Series Solutions: Ordinary Points
  5. Series Solutions: Singular Points

VII. Numerical Methods

  1. Euler Method
  2. Runge-Kutta Methods

VIII. Laplace Transforms

  1. Definition of Laplace Transform
  2. Computing Laplace Transforms
  3. Properties of Laplace Transform
  4. Computing Inverse Laplace Transforms
  5. Solving Differential Equations using Laplace Transforms

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 10-70%

Facilitated discussion: 10-70%

Collaborative learning: 10-70%

Technology supplemented instruction: 10-60%

 
Mandatory Course Components:
Assessments, Projects, Homework, and Quizzes. 
Equivalent Courses:
None
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None  
GRCC Course Type:
Program Requirement: Meets the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 4
People Soft Course ID Number: 101090
Course CIP Code: 27.01
Maximum Course Enrollment: 25
Course Software Utilized: Online graphing tools Desmos & Wolfram Alpha.
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of STEM
Department: Mathematics
Discipline: MA
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Other (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Master’s Degree in Mathematics, or in a closely related field with at least 18 semester hours of graduate work in mathematics.  A strong  background in Linear Algebra and Analysis is required.
Major Course Revisions: Prefix, Course Number Change, N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20260304T10:59:14
Course Review & Revision Year: 2029-2030



Add to Catalog (opens a new window)