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In mathematics, an ordinary differential equation (ODE) is a differential equation (DE) dependent on only a single independent variable.As with any other DE, its unknown(s) consists of one (or more) function(s) and involves the derivatives of those functions. [1]
Ordinary differential equations occur in many scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and economics. [1] In addition, some methods in numerical partial differential equations convert the partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation, which must then be solved.
In mathematics, a differential equation is an equation that relates one or more unknown functions and their derivatives. [1] In applications, the functions generally represent physical quantities, the derivatives represent their rates of change, and the differential equation defines a relationship between the two.
Differential equations are an important area of mathematical analysis with many applications in science and engineering. Analysis is the branch of mathematics dealing with continuous functions , limits , and related theories, such as differentiation , integration , measure , infinite sequences , series , and analytic functions .
These equations for solution of a first-order partial differential equation are identical to the Euler–Lagrange equations if we make the identification = ˙ ˙. We conclude that the function ψ {\displaystyle \psi } is the value of the minimizing integral A {\displaystyle A} as a function of the upper end point.
Boundary value problems are similar to initial value problems.A boundary value problem has conditions specified at the extremes ("boundaries") of the independent variable in the equation whereas an initial value problem has all of the conditions specified at the same value of the independent variable (and that value is at the lower boundary of the domain, thus the term "initial" value).
In mathematics, the method of characteristics is a technique for solving partial differential equations.Typically, it applies to first-order equations, though in general characteristic curves can also be found for hyperbolic and parabolic partial differential equation.
In mathematics, variation of parameters, also known as variation of constants, is a general method to solve inhomogeneous linear ordinary differential equations.. For first-order inhomogeneous linear differential equations it is usually possible to find solutions via integrating factors or undetermined coefficients with considerably less effort, although those methods leverage heuristics that ...