Reading Assignment:
  On Friday we dicussed further the method of the characteristic
    polynomial, in particular the cases of complex and repeated
    roots.  These are discussed in sections 3.4 and 3.5, respectively.
  On Monday we will continue with the discussion of the case of
    repeated roots and the method of reduction of order.  To prepare
    reread the part of the previous assignment concerning 3.5.
  We will also return briefly to section 3.2, and you might want
    to read this section now.

When reading pay attention to:
  In section 3.5 try to understand how the method of the 
    characteristic polynomial needs to be adjusted in the case or
    repeated roots.  Concentrate on
      1) what is the algorithm in this case?
      2) how does the method of reduction of order work (concentrate
            on examples 1 and 3)

Problems:
  Section 3.4 : 7,12,18,21,27 
  Section 3.5 : 1,2,11

Announcement:
  The first exam is
    on   :     Thursday, Jan 29
    in   :     Filene Auditorium
    from :     6-8 pm.
  See the main homework page for more details.