MHB Identifying the Degree of a Differential Equation

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SUMMARY

The degree of a differential equation is defined as the power of the highest order derivative present in the equation. In the given ordinary differential equation (ODE) $$\left(\frac{{d}^{2}y}{d{x}^{2}}\right)^{\!{2}}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^{\!{3}} +\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^{\!{1}} =0$$, the highest order derivative is $$\frac{{d}^{2}y}{d{x}^{2}}$$, which has a power of 2. Therefore, the degree of this ODE is conclusively 2, contrary to the incorrect assertion that it is the sum of the exponents of all terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with derivatives and their notation
  • Knowledge of polynomial expressions and their degrees
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of differential equations, focusing on order and degree
  • Learn about various types of differential equations and their classifications
  • Explore methods for solving ordinary differential equations
  • Investigate the implications of degree in the context of differential equation solutions
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Students of mathematics, educators teaching differential equations, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the properties and classifications of differential equations.

KD1729
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How Can we define the degree of differential equation ?
What is the degree of $$\left(\frac{{d}^{2}y}{d{x}^{2}}\right)^{\!{2}}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^{\!{3}} +\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^{\!{1}} =0$$ ??(Wondering)
 
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The degree of a differential equation is the power of the highest order derivative in the equation. Based on this what would you say the degree of the given ODE is?
 
MarkFL said:
The degree of a differential equation is the power of the highest order derivative in the equation. Based on this what would you say the degree of the given ODE is?

Then it Should be one.

But, My maths Teacher said it is equal to the 2+3=5.
He said that for any term degree is the sum of exponents of its variables & degree of a equation is the highest degree term. Which is right ?(Sadface)
 
I would look at the derivative in red:

$${\color{red}\left(\frac{{d}^{2}y}{d{x}^{2}}\right)^{\!{2}}}\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^{\!{3}} +\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^{\!{1}} =0$$

This is the highest order derivative present in the equation and the degree of this derivative is two, thus I would say the degree of the ODE is two.
 

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