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Differential Equations: Course Module 1

This document provides an introduction to differential equations. It defines a differential equation as an equation that contains one or more terms and the derivatives of a dependent variable with respect to an independent variable. Differential equations can be classified based on their order, degree, and whether they are linear or nonlinear. Ordinary differential equations contain one independent variable, while partial differential equations contain two or more independent variables. Examples of first, second, and third order ordinary differential equations are provided.

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Lorielle Oliva
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75 views

Differential Equations: Course Module 1

This document provides an introduction to differential equations. It defines a differential equation as an equation that contains one or more terms and the derivatives of a dependent variable with respect to an independent variable. Differential equations can be classified based on their order, degree, and whether they are linear or nonlinear. Ordinary differential equations contain one independent variable, while partial differential equations contain two or more independent variables. Examples of first, second, and third order ordinary differential equations are provided.

Uploaded by

Lorielle Oliva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MTN 6

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

COURSE MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS MODULE 1

INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION

A. DEFINITION
The construction of mathematical models to approximate real-world problems has
been one of the most important aspects of the theoretical development of each of the
branches of science. It is often the case that these mathematical model involve an
equation in which a function and its derivatives play important roles. Such equations
are called differential equations.
As in equation, a derivative may be involved implicitly through the presence of
differentials. Our aim is to find methods for solving differential equations; that is, to
find the unknown function or functions that satisfy the differential equation.

Differential Equation - An equation which contains one or more terms and the
derivatives of dependent variable with respect to the independent variable

Examples:
dy/dx = f(x)

 L(x² + y²) dx – 2Rxy dy = 0 dy/dx = L(x² + y²) / 2Rxy

When an equation involves one or more derivatives with respect to a particular variable,
that variable is called an independent variable. A variable is called dependent if a
derivative of that variable occurs.

Parameter – is an arbitrary constant arising from the solving of a primitive during the
course of obtaining the solution.

CLASSIFICATION OF DE:

 Order of a DE:
 The order of a DE is the order of the highest ordered derivative which appears in
the equation.

Example:
dy/dx = cos x (1)

(x-1) y” + xy’ + y = 0 (2)


INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS MODULE 1

d3 w dw
( )² - 2( )4 + yw = 0 (3)
dx ³ dx

dx
+2 y ¿) = 3 (4)
dy

1. First order
2. Second order
3. Third order
4. First order

 Degree of a DE:
 The degree of a DE is the degree (exponent) of the highest ordered derivative
which appears in the equation.
Examples:
dy/dx = cos x (1)
(x - 1) y” + xy’ + y = 0 (2)
3
d w dw
( )² - 2( )4 + yw = 0 (3)
dx ³ dx
dx
+2 y ¿) = 3 (4)
dy
1. First degree
2. First degree
3. Second degree
4. First degree

 Linear and Non-linear DE:


 An Equation of the form f(x,y) = g(x) with x the independent variable, is linear if
f(x, ay1 + by2) = af(x, y1) + bf(x, y2)
for any choice of constants a and b, and any choice of functions y1(x) and y2(x)

Example:
(sin x) y” +xy = ex is linear

y y” + y’ = ex is not linear since


(ay1 + by2)(ay1” +by2”) + ay1’ + by2’ ≠ a(y1 y1” + y1’) + b (y2 y2” + y2’)
Generally speaking, a first order linear equation takes the form
f(x)y’ + g(x)y = h(x)
and a second order linear equation looks like
f1 (x)y” + f2 (x) y’ + f3 (x)y = g(x)
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS MODULE 1

The f1 , f2 , and f3 are termed co-efficients.

TYPES OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (DE)


 A. Ordinary DE – an equation containing only one independent variable, thus having
only ordinary derivatives in the equation.
 B. Partial DE – an equation containing two or more independent variables, thus having
partial derivatives in the equation.

Examples:

dy/dx = cos x (1)


(x - 1) y” + xy’ + y = 0 (2)
3
d w dw
( )² - 2( )4 + yw = 0 (3)
dx ³ dx
dx
+2 y ¿) = 3 (4)
dy

1. Ordinary DE
2. Ordinary DE
3. Ordinary DE
4. Partial DE

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