How can we identify non-linear singular differential equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on identifying criteria for distinguishing between linear and non-linear singular differential equations. Participants explore methods and tests that could simplify this identification process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is researching criteria to easily identify linear versus non-linear differential equations and whether they are singular.
  • Another participant suggests that a straightforward criterion for identifying non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is the presence of products of the unknown function with itself or with its derivatives, providing an example of a non-linear equation.
  • A participant mentions a simple test for determining linearity: checking if doubling a solution still satisfies the differential equation, noting that this applies primarily to homogeneous equations.
  • The same participant provides an example of a non-homogeneous equation to illustrate that doubling the solution does not yield another solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various criteria and tests for identifying non-linear differential equations, but there is no consensus on a single method or approach. Multiple views and examples are shared without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on the definitions of linearity and singularity, as well as the specific context of the equations discussed. The examples provided may not cover all cases of non-linear or singular equations.

wasi-uz-zaman
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TL;DR
i am looking for singular , non-linear differetial equations but do not grasp a criteria to identify them.
i am doing research to make criteria by which i can identify easily linear and non-linear and also identify its singular or not by doing simple test.please help me in this regard.
 
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I believe the most easy criteria to identify a non linear ODE is to look if it contains products of the unknown function with it self or with its derivatives.

For example the equation ##y^2-yy'+y''^3=x## is not linear for three reasons:
It contains product of the unknown function y with itself, that is the term ##y^2##
It also contains product of the unknown function y with its first derivative y', that is the term ##yy'##
It also contains product of the second derivative y'' with itself that is the term ##y''^3##
 
And (especially in the beginning) there is always the simple test:
"Suppose ##y## statisfies the differential equation, does ##2y## satisfy it too ?"
 
BvU said:
And (especially in the beginning) there is always the simple test:
"Suppose ##y## statisfies the differential equation, does ##2y## satisfy it too ?"
That's only for homogeneous differential equations (homogenouse in the sense of ##f(t, y, y', \dots) = 0##). For a simple example, consider y' - y = t
The general solution is ##y = ce^t + t - 1##, but ##2y = 2ce^t + 2t - 2## is not a solution to the DE.
 
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