Definition of order of a partial differential equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the definition of the order of a partial differential equation (PDE), exploring how it is determined and the distinctions between first and second order equations. Participants reference specific equations to illustrate their points and seek clarity on definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the proper definition of the order of a partial differential equation, providing examples of first and second order equations.
  • Another participant asserts that the presence of a dot over the variable indicates that the equation is second order.
  • A different participant reiterates the assertion about the dot indicating second order and requests further clarification on the definition of second order for partial differential equations.
  • Another participant explains that the order of a partial differential equation refers to the highest order derivative present in the equation, providing examples of both partial and ordinary derivatives.
  • This participant expresses uncertainty regarding the mixing of time and position/space derivatives and the distinction between ordinary and partial derivatives.
  • Several links to online resources about differential equations are shared for further reference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the concept that the order of a PDE is determined by the highest derivative present. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the mixing of different types of derivatives and the specific definitions related to second order PDEs.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the definitions and relationships between ordinary and partial derivatives, as well as the implications of combining time and space derivatives. These points remain unresolved.

Kashmir
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How is the order of a partial differential equation defined?

This is said to be first order: ##\frac{d}{d t}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial s_{i}}\right)-\frac{\partial L}{\partial q_{i}}=0##

And this second order :##\frac{d}{d t}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{q_{i}}}\right)-\frac{\partial L}{\partial q_{i}}=0##

What's the proper definition?

Thank you
 
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The dot over the q makes the second line second order.
 
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mathman said:
The dot over the q makes the second line second order.
Thank you, could you please tell me the definition of second order for partial D.E ?
 
The order for partial D.E., like an ordinary D.E., refers to the highest order derivative in the D.E.

For example, a D.E. with ##\partial^2{y}/\partial{x}^2##, would be 2nd order if no higher derivatives were present, and similarly with d2y/dx2.

Unfortunately, I've gone blank about mixing time and position/space derivatives, and ordinary with partial.

There are many online tutorials concerning DEs, both ODE and PDE.
https://users.aber.ac.uk/ruw/teach/260/classification.php
https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calciii/highorderpartialderivs.aspx

https://www.math.toronto.edu/jko/APM346_summary_1_2020.pdf
https://www.csc.kth.se/utbildning/kth/kurser/DN1213/numme06/utdelat/kap10.pdf
 
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