Classification of differential equation

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SUMMARY

The equation presented, ax'' - by' + c = 0, is classified as an ordinary differential equation (ODE) rather than a partial differential equation (PDE). This classification is due to the equation involving derivatives with respect to a single independent variable, specifically time. Partial differential equations, in contrast, involve functions of multiple variables. Therefore, the equation does not meet the criteria for being a PDE.

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volican
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Hi,

I have an equation that takes the form: ax''-by' + c = 0 where x'' is second order with respect to time and y' is first order with respect to time. Would this be classed as a partial differential equation?

Thanks very much for your help :)
 
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Partial differential equations deal with functions of more than one variable. It looks as if yours is a single independent variable only equation.
 

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