This course is the first of the mathematics core curriculum. The emphasis is on mathematical modeling using difference equations in the form of discrete dynamical systems. Modeling motivates the study of solution techniques for these equations which in turn supports the eventual study of the calculus. Concepts and techniques are discussed for first- and higher-order linear and nonlinear equations. MA103 also provides an introduction to elementary matrix methods to solve systems of linear equations and systems of linear discrete dynamical systems. Additionally, the course introduces differential calculus to include definition of the derivative, basic differential rules, and graphical analysis of functions and their derivatives. The course integrates computers and handheld calculators to develop numerical and graphical representations of solutions for analysis of the long-term behavior of linear and nonlinear systems, as well to support the analytical solution of these systems.
