What is Differential equations: Definition and 999 Discussions

In mathematics, a differential equation is an equation that relates one or more functions and their derivatives. In applications, the functions generally represent physical quantities, the derivatives represent their rates of change, and the differential equation defines a relationship between the two. Such relations are common; therefore, differential equations play a prominent role in many disciplines including engineering, physics, economics, and biology.
Mainly the study of differential equations consists of the study of their solutions (the set of functions that satisfy each equation), and of the properties of their solutions. Only the simplest differential equations are solvable by explicit formulas; however, many properties of solutions of a given differential equation may be determined without computing them exactly.
Often when a closed-form expression for the solutions is not available, solutions may be approximated numerically using computers. The theory of dynamical systems puts emphasis on qualitative analysis of systems described by differential equations, while many numerical methods have been developed to determine solutions with a given degree of accuracy.

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  1. T

    Help with differential equations?

    i'm stuck on three problems on my homework - I've been trying to solve them forever! please help? thanks in advance. PS I'm new on here and don't know what to do so I'm just going to type out the problems haha 1) Evaluate: integral of the absolute value of x^2-9 dx on interval [-4, 6] 2)...
  2. Chris L T521

    MHB Differential Equations Tutorial Will Return....Soon

    Hi all, Back on MHF, my Differential Equations Tutorial was beneficial to many members and I was proud of my contribution to the site. However, with the fall of MHF, I have not been able to retrieve my old posts. So my plan is to start a completely new one on this site -- from scratch. I...
  3. B

    MHB A few small questions about differential equations

    I am currently taking differential equations in college but I am having trouble understanding a few things. Our teacher is from Russia so it makes it a bit harder for me to understand him and sometimes for him to understand our questions... Currently I have taken Calc 1, 2, 3 and Linear...
  4. C

    Seperable differential equations question

    Homework Statement Solve the differential equation dy/dx = 3x2(1+y2)3/2 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution So far this is what I have (I'm almost finished) - ∫dy/(1+y)3/2 = ∫3x2 dx Let y = tan(u) , dy = sec2(u) Then (1+y2)3/2 = (tan2(u)+1)3/2 = sec3(u) and u =...
  5. J

    Partial Differential Equations

    Homework Statement Utt-Uxx+2Uxy-Uyy=0 with the conditions: U(1,x,y)=cos(x)+ey Ut(1,x,y)=sin(x)-y2 Homework Equations Not using separation of variables to solve. The Attempt at a Solution I've gotten the general equation to be of the form: U(t,x,y)=ψ(x+t,y-t)+ζ(x-t,y+t)...
  6. D

    Is Trig a prerequisite for Differential Equations?

    Before taking Differential Equations/Linear Algebra in my first year of college, I am brushing up on Algebra I/II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus I/II. Should I also run through Trigonometry as well or should I not waste my time on it if I don't have enough time to go through everything else first...
  7. T

    Differential equations with distributions

    Homework Statement Solve x^2\frac{du}{dx} = 0 in the sense of distributions. Homework Equations <u',f> = -<u,f'> for any test function f. The Attempt at a Solution My thinking is that since we want to see the action of the left hand side on a general test function f, we try...
  8. A

    Elementary Differential Equations

    (dy/dx)^2 + y^2 + 4 = 0; Show that there are no real valued solutions. (dy/dx)^2 = -(y^2 + 4) dy/dx= sqrt( -(y^2 + 4)) -----> This is the answer I got, I feel it makes sense because the negative under the radical produce an answer with 'i' or an imaginary sol'n and since y^2 is always...
  9. stripes

    Elementary differential equations

    Homework Statement 1. For the system of equations x'(t) = 4y and y'(t) = x, obtain the equation of the trajectory (path in the phase plane) that passes through (2, 0). For this trajectory, what is the equation of the slant asymptote that (x(t), y(t)) approaches as t goes to infinity? 2...
  10. T

    Second order inhomogeneous simultaneous differential equations

    Homework Statement Vibration in a system can be a source of problems. For example, the deck on a ship could vibrate due to the engine which represents a forcing function. This system may be simply modeled by a mass, representing the deck, a spring representing the stiffness of the deck and a...
  11. A

    Engineering Software Engineers: Advanced Math & Differential Equations in Demand?

    Are you a software engineer using differential equations or more advanced math everyday to solve problems? I would like to hear about what you do--what projects do you work on? Do you consider that differential equations and advanced math skills are useful/in demand in the realm of software...
  12. A

    Solving coupled differential equations

    Ok guys, I've got an issue with a coupled differential equation and I just can't get to solve it: \frac{\partial r}{\partial t} = Q\frac{\partial c}{\partial t} Obviously, r depends on c and visa versa, but they both depend on time. Is there a way to uncouple these variables and solve the...
  13. D

    General solution to differential equations

    I’m reviewing differential equations after taking the course about 5-6 years ago and I have a couple of questions about the solutions of differential equations. 1) First why is the general form of the solution to linear homogenous differential equations, with non-equal and real roots to the...
  14. S

    Solving Differential Equations for Tank of Water and Salt

    can you help me ?? A 200 liter tank initially contains 100 liters of water with a salt concentration of 0.1 grams per liter. Water with a salt concentration of 0.5 grams per liter flows into the tank at a rate of 20 liters per minute. Assume that the fluid is mixed instantaneously and that...
  15. M

    First order linear differential equations

    Homework Statement dy/dt=y((3t^2)-1), y(1)=-2 Homework Equations Basic integrals The Attempt at a Solution integrate on both sides: dy/y=dt((3t^2)-1) ========>ln(y)=(t^3)-t+c ========>y=e^((t^3)-t+c) ========>y=e^((t^3)-t)e^(c) I am not sure if its some e rule that I forgot...
  16. C

    Are these partial or ordinary differential equations?

    Homework Statement Consider the following system of (first order) differential equations: \dot{x}=f(t_1,x,y,z) \dot{y}=g(t_2,x,y,z) \dot{z}=h(t_3,x,y,z) where \dot{x}=\frac{\partial x}{\partial t_1}, \dot{y}=\frac{\partial y}{\partial t_2}, and \dot{z}=\frac{\partial z}{\partial...
  17. C

    Existence and Uniqueness of System of Differential Equations

    Hi everyone, I'm not quite sure how to proceed to show existence (and perhaps uniqueness) of the following system of (first order) differential equations: \dot{x}=f(t_1,x,y,z) \dot{y}=g(t_2,x,y,z) \dot{z}=h(t_3,x,y,z) where \dot{x}=\frac{\partial x}{\partial t_1}...
  18. M

    Numerical Methods vs Differential Equations

    Hi guys, I'm currently in computer science program and I have an urgent feeling that I need better exposure to math. I have taken Discrete Math, Calculus i, ii, iii and I've independently studied linear algebra. I guess my concern is lack of differential equations and numerical methods. In...
  19. E

    Lagrangian Mechanics and Differential Equations

    The Wikipedia article regarding Lagrangian Mechanics mentions that we can essentially derive a new set of equations of motion, thought albeit non-linear ODEs, using Lagrangian Mechanics. My question is: how difficult is it usually to solve these non-linear ODEs? What are the usual numerical...
  20. D

    Seperable Differential Equations, Multiplicative Constant Confusion Help Clarify

    I curiously never had a problem solving Seperable Equations in the Seperable Equations chapter of the Boyce/Diprima book. I am the kind of person who likes to do things the long way, and encountered a problem solving for an Integrating Factor(Linear ODE, NOT EXACT) the long proofy way. I tend...
  21. pairofstrings

    Solving Non-Linear Systems with Higher Order Differential Equations

    Homework Statement In control engineering, I want to have a mathematical model of a physical system as a set of input, output and state variables related by higher order differential equations. 2. Relevant concepts As we all know that, in control engineering, we can solve linear-system...
  22. L

    Coordinates of a particle (coupled differential equations)

    Homework Statement I'm given two equations for coordinates of a certain particle in the xy plane, \dot{x}+ωy=0 and \dot{y}-ωx=0. Then using the complex variable z=x+iy, find the differential for z, and solve it. Hence give x and y as functions of time. Homework Equations The...
  23. S

    Differential Equations, Laplace Transform

    Hello all, Next semester I will be taking a Network Analysis course in my EE degree. Moreover, we will be utilizing numerous mathematical concepts I have not yet seen. If anyone has (preferably free) access to any of the concepts to follow that they would be willing to share, I would be...
  24. 1

    A good book on Differential Equations and Partial Differential Equations?

    At my school, Physics majors are the only ones who HAVE to take PDE, math majors and engineers have the option as an elective, but none of them do that because it has the reputation of being the most difficult math course at my school. I'm going into Calc III in the spring, then DE is next...
  25. B

    Differential Equations: Non-homogeneous Series Expansion

    Homework Statement y'' + y' + y = 1 + x + x2 Homework Equations y = Ʃ CN*xN N starts at 0 y' = Ʃ N*CN*x(N-1) N starts at 1 y'' = Ʃ N*(N-1)*CN*x(N-2) N starts at 2 [b]3. The Attempt at a Solution [/] I know how solve the equations...
  26. C

    Solving differential equations

    Homework Statement Solve the following differential equation: f"(x)=sinx x(0)=0, x'(0)=1 Homework Equations x(0)=0, x'(0)=1 The Attempt at a Solution f"(x)=sin(x) integrate, f'(x)=-cos(x)+C1 f'(0)=-cos(0)+C1=1 => C1=2 C1=2 f'(x)=-cos(x)+2 f(x)=-sin(x)+2x+C2...
  27. A

    Nonlinear systems of differential equations

    The complete question I've been given: The Rossler equations are formally defined as dx/dt=−y−z dy/dt=x+ay dz/dt=b+z(x−c). Let us suppose that a=0.2, b=0.2, c=5.7, x(0)=y(0)=z(0)=0, t∈[0,400]. Let v1(t) be the solution to the given initial value problem, and let v2(t) be the solution of the...
  28. A

    Nonlinear systems of differential equations

    I think I posted in the wrong section and will repost in the textbook/coursework section but don't know how to delete this. Although if you want to answer feel free. The complete question I've been given: The Rossler equations are formally defined as dx/dt=−y−z dy/dt=x+ay dz/dt=b+z(x−c). Let us...
  29. K

    Differential Equations RLC Circuits

    Homework Statement A series RLC circuit has an electromotive force given by E=200e^(-100t) V, a resistor of 80 ohms, an inductor of 0.2 H, and capacitor of 5x10^-6 F. If the initial current and charge on the capacitor are zero, find the current at any time t>0. Homework Equations ...
  30. J

    Differential Equations 2nd Order Linear Constant-coefficient Problem

    Homework Statement solve: 160y''=160g-ky y(0)=-200 and y'(0)=0 2. The attempt at a solution I tried to use guess and check to solve this equation, but it didn't turn out nice at all... y''=9.8 - (ky)/160 y''+(ky)/160 = 9.8, guess y=e^(λt), y'=λe^(λt), y''=λ^2e^(λt) : this gives...
  31. S

    Series solution to linear differential equations

    Homework Statement Given the ODE y''-ty'+y=0 where y(0)=1 and y'(0)=0 Assume y(t)=Ʃn=0 ( a(n) t^n ) (power series centered at 0) find the general form of the solution ( an=f(n) ) The Attempt at a Solution I used the initial conditions to determine the values a0=1 and a1=0...
  32. F

    Mathematica Mathematica: Differential equations for double pendulum

    Hello Im new here, I hope I'm not disturbing anyone. Following this guide below, I am trying to find two 2. order differential equations, one for q1'' and one for q2'', describing the movement of the double pendulum. I have no problems with the mathematics, but when the guide tells me to...
  33. A

    Nth Order Differential Equations

    We know that there are a few forms for 1st order differential equations. Second-order differential equations have an extra term with an x in it. My conjecture is that third-order differential equations have another extra term with an x^2 in it. A friend of mine agrees with this. Is this true and...
  34. J

    Differential Equations, Frobenius' Method

    Homework Statement Find the indicial roots of the following Differential Equation: xy'' - y' + x3y = 0 Homework Equations y = Ʃ[n=0 to infinity]cnxn+r y' = Ʃ[n=0 to infinity](n+r)cnxn+r-1 y'' = Ʃ[n=0 to infinity](r+r)(n+r-1)cnxn+r-2 The Attempt at a Solution Plugging these values into the...
  35. K

    Name of a type of differential equations

    Dear all, I am interested in solving the following type of system of differential equations for η(x): (1) ∫η(x)ω(x)=0 (2) ∫η'(x)ω(x)=0 for known ω(x), and known limits of the integral. Does this type of equations have a name? Can someone help me to find some reference? Thanks a ton...
  36. P

    Particular Solutions of Differential Equations

    Homework Statement \frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} = y\frac{dy}{dx} Homework Equations Let v = \frac{dy}{dx} and v\frac{dv}{dy} = \frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} The Attempt at a Solution The question can be rewritten as: v\frac{dv}{dy} = yv \frac{dv}{dy} = y. (v =/=0 ) This is very easy...
  37. S

    Differential equations with matrices and eigenvalues?

    Homework Statement this is the homework that i have to do http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/2783/problemsb.png Uploaded with ImageShack.us The Attempt at a Solution im not really sure if this is the right method but i will solve it like if it was a homogeneous equation by...
  38. S

    Differential Equations - Population Growth

    Would anyone be able to go through some of the steps for these problems? 1. The birth rate in a state is 2% per year and the death rate is 1.3% per year. The current population of the state is 8,000,000. a) Write a differential equation which models the population of the state. Be sure to...
  39. G

    Introductary Differential Equations

    Hello, I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good book on "beginner's" differential equations. I am at an undergraduate level, it that helps you gage the content. thanks in advance
  40. S

    Nonlinear system of differential equations

    Hi! I'm working with my PhD thesis at the moment, and I've stumbled upon a pretty involved problem. What I have is a system of equations like this: \frac{dx}{dt} = A \cos(z) \frac{dy}{dt} = B x \frac{dx}{dt} \frac{dz}{dt} = y where A and B are constants. I also have a stochastic term to z...
  41. A

    * *Damped Harmonic Motion (Differential Equations)

    *URGENT*Damped Harmonic Motion (Differential Equations) A damped harmonic oscillator satisfies the following equation: d2x/dt2 = − 5x − 2dx/dt (a) By assuming a trial function of the form x = A e^qt, determine the solution of this equation "from scratch." Express your final answer as a real...
  42. J

    Partial Differential Equations at university

    Hi guys, I am a Erasmus student in Vienna. Due to the difference between the plans in my home universtity and Vienna, I have to deal with having to take Parcial differential equations without having done Differential Equations 1 or 2. In accordance with my university, I should take here...
  43. L

    General solution for system of differential equations

    Homework Statement Find the general solution to the following differential equations y'1 = -12y1 + 13y2 +10y3 y'2 = 4y1 - 3y2 - 4y3 y'3 = -21y1 +21y2 +19y3 The Attempt at a Solution I'm a little unsure about what to do at the end, or what form to put it in. The eigenvalues are λ1 =...
  44. M

    The chain rule for 2nd+ order partial differential equations

    Homework Statement w= f(x,y) x = u + v Verify that Wxx - Wyy = Wuv y = u - v Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know how to find Wu or Wv but I have no idea on how to proceed to find the 2nd order derivative (or 3rd,4rth etc.. obviously). I...
  45. M

    Differential Equations - Hermite Polynomials

    Homework Statement Here is the entire problem set, but (obviously) you don't have to do it all, if you could just give me a few hints on where to even start, because I am completely lost. Recall that we found the solutions of the Schrodinger equations (x^2 - \partial_x ^2) V_n(x) =...
  46. T

    Coupled differential equations

    Hi, I have to modelize the buckling of a column and I've come up with this system: N'(x) + N(x) \theta ' (x) \theta (x) - Q \theta ' (x) + f = 0 Q'(x) + N(x) \theta ' (x) + Q \theta ' (x) \theta (x) = 0 with f a constant The coefficients (thetas) are not constants. I've written it...
  47. D

    Bounded Second Order Differential Equations

    Hello all. I am having a very serious problem. The question states: Find the value(s) of δ such that the solution of the initial-value problem y'' − 4y = sin x; where y(0) = δ and y'(0) = 0 is bounded. I have no problem "solving"...
  48. A

    Nonlinear nonhomogenous differential equations

    Hello team PF! I have been out of touch from calculus for quite a while and have been trying to solve a differential equation which I believe is nonlinear and non-homogenous. Haven't found any thread much relevant here, so I need this new one. The problem is as follows: -(d2 u)/(dx2 ) + γ*u...
  49. G

    Partial Differential Equations

    Can anyone help with these problems? I have no idea where to start. What is the general approach? Determine the solution of ∂ρ/∂t = (sin x)ρ which satisfies ρ(x,0) = cos x. Determine the solution of ∂ρ/∂t = ρ which satisfies ρ(x,t) = 1 + sin x along x =-2t. Relevant equations: ∂ρ/∂t +...
  50. M

    Linearizing system of differential equations

    Linearize and classify the fixed points of \frac{d\theta1}{dt} = \Omega + sin \theta1 + \frac{1}{2} (sin\theta1 + sin\theta2) \frac{d\theta2}{dt} = \Omega + sin \theta2 + \frac{1}{2} (sin\theta1 + sin\theta2) I know that if the absolute value of omega is less than two, there will be 4...
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