FE Lesson Plan: Mathematics
A. Algebra and Trigonometry
Background:
Algebra and trigonometry form the foundation for solving equations and modeling periodic
phenomena. Algebra focuses on manipulation of symbols, solving linear and nonlinear equations,
while trigonometry deals with relationships between angles and side lengths in triangles.
Key Equations:
- Quadratic formula: x = ( -b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4*a*c) ) / (2*a)
- Log properties: log_a(x*y) = log_a(x) + log_a(y); log_a(x^k) = k * log_a(x)
- Pythagorean identity: sin^2(theta) + cos^2(theta) = 1; tan(theta) = sin(theta)/cos(theta)
- Angle sums: sin(alpha+beta) = sin(alpha)*cos(beta) + cos(alpha)*sin(beta);
Examples:
Problem: Solve 2x^2 - 4x - 6 = 0.
Solution: Use quadratic formula with a=2, b=-4, c=-6: x = [4 +/- sqrt(16 + 48)]/4 = [4 +/- sqrt(64)]/4 =
[4 +/- 8]/4 -> x=3 or x=-1.
Problem: Simplify sin(2*theta) using identities.
Solution: sin(2*theta) = 2*sin(theta)*cos(theta).
B. Complex Numbers
Background:
Complex numbers extend the real numbers by introducing the imaginary unit j where j^2 = -1. They
are critical in AC circuit analysis and signal processing.
Key Equations:
- Standard form: z = a + j*b; magnitude |z| = sqrt(a^2 + b^2)
- Euler: e^(j*theta) = cos(theta) + j*sin(theta)
- Polar: z = |z| <angle> theta
Examples:
Problem: Compute (3 + j*4)*(1 - j*2).
Solution: (3 + j4)(1 - j2)=3 - j6 + j4 - j^2*8 = 3 - j2 +8 = 11 - j2.
C. Discrete Mathematics
Background:
Discrete math covers finite structures, essential for algorithms and logic design. Topics include sets,
combinatorics, and basic graph theory.
Key Equations:
- Permutations: P(n,k) = n! / (n-k)!
- Combinations: C(n,k) = n! / (k! * (n-k)!)
- Sum of first n integers: n*(n+1)/2
Examples:
Problem: Number of ways to choose 3 items from 5?
Solution: C(5,3) = 5!/(3!*2!) = 10.
D. Analytic Geometry
Background:
Analytic geometry links algebra to geometry using coordinates. Conic sections (circle, ellipse,
parabola, hyperbola) are described by equations.
Key Equations:
- Circle: (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2
- Ellipse: (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1
- Parabola: (x-h)^2 = 4*p*(y-k)
Examples:
Problem: Find center and radius of x^2 + y^2 - 6x + 4y + 9 = 0.
Solution: Complete squares: (x-3)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 4, center (3,-2), r=2.
E. Calculus
Background:
Calculus studies change via derivatives and accumulation via integrals. Single-variable covers one
input, multivariable extends to functions of multiple variables.
Key Equations:
- d/dx[x^n] = n*x^(n-1); d/dx[sin x] = cos x
- Integral: int x^n dx = x^(n+1)/(n+1) + C; int cos x dx = sin x + C
- Partial derivative: df/dx for f(x,y)
Examples:
Problem: Differentiate f(x)=x^3 - 5x^2 + 2x.
Solution: f'(x)=3x^2 - 10x +2.
Problem: Evaluate int from 0 to 3 of 2x dx.
Solution: int2x dx = x^2 [0,3] = 9.
F. Ordinary Differential Equations
Background:
ODEs relate functions to their derivatives. First-order linear and simple second-order ODEs appear
in circuit transient responses.
Key Equations:
- First-order: dy/dx + P(x)*y = Q(x); integrating factor mu = exp(int P dx)
- Second-order: a*d2y/dx2 + b*dy/dx + c*y = 0; char eq: a*r^2 + b*r + c = 0
Examples:
Problem: Solve dy/dx + 3y = 6.
Solution: mu=exp(3x). d(y*mu)/dx=6*exp(3x). Integrate: y*mu=2*exp(3x)+C -> y=2 + C*exp(-3x).
G. Linear Algebra
Background:
Linear algebra studies vector spaces and linear mappings. It is essential for circuit analysis and
stability calculations.
Key Equations:
- Matrix mult: (A*B)[i,j]=sum_k A[i,k]*B[k,j]
- 2x2 inverse: A^-1=(1/det)*[d -b; -c a] for A=[a b; c d]
- Eigenvalues: det(A - lambda*I) = 0
Examples:
Problem: Find inverse of [[2,1],[3,4]].
Solution: det=5. A^-1=(1/5)[4 -1; -3 2].
H. Vector Analysis
Background:
Vector analysis deals with vector operations and fields: gradient, divergence, and curl, vital for
electromagnetics.
Key Equations:
- Dot: a.b = a_x*b_x + a_y*b_y + a_z*b_z
- Cross: a x b = (a_y*b_z - a_z*b_y, a_z*b_x - a_x*b_z, a_x*b_y - a_y*b_x)
- Gradient: grad f, Div: div F, Curl: curl F
Examples:
Problem: Compute dot of (1,2,3) and (4,-1,2).
Solution: 1*4 + 2*(-1) + 3*2 = 8.
