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Intro

This document introduces differential equations. It defines a differential equation as a mathematical equation that relates an unknown function and its derivatives. Differential equations can be used to describe physical quantities and their rates of change. Examples of differential equations are provided, along with classifications of differential equations as ordinary or partial, exact or non-exact, linear or non-linear, and homogeneous or inhomogeneous. Ordinary differential equations depend on one variable while partial differential equations depend on two or more variables. The order and degree of differential equations are also defined.

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90 views

Intro

This document introduces differential equations. It defines a differential equation as a mathematical equation that relates an unknown function and its derivatives. Differential equations can be used to describe physical quantities and their rates of change. Examples of differential equations are provided, along with classifications of differential equations as ordinary or partial, exact or non-exact, linear or non-linear, and homogeneous or inhomogeneous. Ordinary differential equations depend on one variable while partial differential equations depend on two or more variables. The order and degree of differential equations are also defined.

Uploaded by

Zen Mark
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CE MATH 4

Differential Equations

Engr. Joel T. Lao, CE, M.ASCE


Introduction to Differential Equations

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that


contains an unknown function and its derivatives while at
the same time defining their relationship. In doing so, the
functions represent some physical quantities as the
derivatives represent their rates of change.
The application of differential equations has a
remarkable ability to describe the properties and predict
the dynamics of the world around us. They are used in a
wide range of disciplines such as in biology, economics,
physics, chemistry and engineering. They can describe
rates of growth and degradation or decay.
The following are sample differential equations:
𝑑𝑦
(1) = 2𝑥 − 1
𝑑𝑥
2
𝑑2𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2 𝑒𝑦 + =1
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
2
𝑑3 𝑠 𝑑2 𝑠
(3) 2 3 + (sin 𝑡) + 𝑠𝑡 = 0
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 2
𝜕2𝑦 𝜕2𝑦
(4) 2
−2 2 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥
2 3
𝜕 𝑢 𝜕 2 𝑢 𝜕𝑢
5 𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 + =𝑢
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑧
Differential equations can be divided into several types.
Apart from describing the properties of the equation itself,
these classes of differential equations can help the choice of
approach to a solution. Commonly used distinctions
include whether the differential equation is:

Ordinary/Partial,
Exact/Non-exact,
Linear/Non-linear,
and
Homogeneous/Inhomogeneous.
Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE)
An ordinary differential equation is an equation that
contains an unknown function that depends on only one
independent variable which can be real or complex
[differential equations 1 , 2 , and 3 ].

Partial Differential Equations (PDE)


A partial differential equation is a differential equation
an unknown function that depends on two or more
independent variables. This is in contrast to ordinary
differential equations, which deal with functions of a
single independent variable and its derivatives
[Differential equations 4 and 5 ].
The order of a differential equation is the order of the
highest derivative involved or present in the equation.
Meanwhile, the degree of a differential equation is the
power or exponent of the highest ordered derivative after
the equation has been rationalized and cleared of fractions
with respect to all the derivatives. To clarify everything,
here are some examples:

Differential Unknown Independent


Order Degree
Equation Function Variable/s
(1) 𝑦 𝑥 1 1
(2) 𝑦 𝑥 2 2
(3) 𝑠 𝑡 3 1
(4) 𝑦 𝑥, 𝑡 2 1
(5) 𝑢 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 2 3
A solution of a differential equation in the unknown
function 𝑦 and the independent variable 𝑥 on the interval
𝐼, is a function 𝑦(𝑥) that satisfies the differential equation
identically for all 𝑥 in 𝐼.

The particular solution of a differential equation is any


one solution.

The general solution of a differential equation is the set


of all solutions.
Exercises:
Determine the order, the degree, the unknown function,
and the independent variable/s of the differential
equation.

1. 𝑦" 2 − 2𝑦𝑦 ′ + 3𝑥𝑦 = 0


2
𝑑𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦
2. + − 𝑦3 = 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
𝑑𝑠
3. 𝑠 2 − 2𝑠𝑡 + 4 = 0
𝑑𝑡
2 3
𝜕6 ℎ 𝜕3 ℎ
4. + − 8𝑡 = 0
𝜕𝑠 6 𝜕𝑡 3

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