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MATH 5250

Numerical Analysis and Differential Equations

4.0 credits · Graduate

Introduction to the fundamentals of numerical analysis: error analysis, approximation, interpolation, and numerical integration. In the second half of the course, we use these to build approximate solvers for ordinary and partial differential equations. Strong emphasis is placed on understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and limits of applicability for all the covered techniques. Computer programming is required to test the theoretical concepts throughout the course. Students will be expected to be comfortable writing proofs and have knowledge of programming.

fall 2026

Readings

  • Kincaid and Cheney, Numerical Analysis: Mathematics of Scientific Computing 3 (revised), American Mathematical Society, 2009 (ISBN: 978-0-8218-4788-6).
    Listed textbook
  • (optional) Moler, Cleve, Numerical Computing with MATLAB , SIAM, 2004 (ISBN: 0-89871-560-1) — free e-book through the Cornell Math Library
    Listed textbook

Prerequisites & course information

background equivalent to: MATH 2210 or MATH 2310 or MATH 2230-MATH 2240.

Sources