Differential Equations

Introduction to Differential Equations

 Differential Equations

A differential equation is an equation which
contains derivatives of the unknown.

Usually a derived mathematical model of some
physical phenomenon.
Applications of Differential Equations

Just some of the many examples

Classification of Differential Equations

According to type
1. Ordinary differential equation – containing
only one independent variable.
2. Partial differential equation – containing more
than one independent variable.
Classification of Differential Equations

According to degree and order
1. Order – the highest derivative of the
dependent variable.
2. Degree – the exponent of the highest order
derivative.
Classification of Differential Equations

According to linearity
1. Linear – the exponent of the dependent
variable and every order of its derivatives is
equal to one. Linear relationship must also be
established for every term of the equation.
2. Nonlinear – elsewise.
 Example
Given:
a. ( y + t ) y '+ y = 1

( )
3
d2y
b. dx 2
+ dy
dx = sin x

c. ∂ 2u
∂x 2
+α ∂ 2u
∂y 2
=β
d . 3 y '+ ( t + 4 ) y = t 2 + y "
e. y IV + t y "'+ cos t = e y
Determine the type, order, degree and linearity of
each differential equation.
 Example
Answers:
Equation Type Order Degree Linearity
a Ordinary 1 1 Nonlinear
b Partial 2 3 Nonlinear
c Ordinary 2 1 Linear
d Ordinary 2 1 Linear
e Ordinary 4 1 Nonlinear
 General and Particular Solution of a
Differential Equation
General solution – a function that satisfies that
the equation and the derivatives exist.
Particular solution – the general solution that
solves the initial value problem of the
differential equation.
Initial Value Problem (IVP) – sets the initial
condition of the problem, normally at zero
value of the independent variable, to obtain the
value of the arbitrary constant.
 Example
Given:

1. dr
r = −4tdt , when t = 0, r = r0
2. 2y
1+ y 2
y ' = 1x , when y ( 2 ) = 3
3. ydy
1+ y 2 = dx
x , when y ( 2 ) = 3
 Example
Answers:

−2 t 2
1. r = r0 e
2. y = 5 x − 1
3. y = 1
2 10 x − 42
Elimination of Arbitrary Constants

A way to generate a differential equation from
an equation that expresses a relation of
variables and coefficients.

The number of derivatives of the produced
differential equation should be equal to the
number of distinct arbitrary constants to be
eliminated.
 Example
Given:
1. y = c1 cos 2 x + c2 sin 2 x
2. cy = x + y
2 2

3. x y = 1 + cx
2

4. y = Ae + Bxe
x x
 Example
Answers:
1. y "+ 4 y = 0
2. 2 xydx − ( y + 2 x ) dy = 0
2

3. ( x y + 1) dx + x dy = 0
2 3

4. y "− 2 y '+ y = 0
 Families of Curves

Represented by an equation involving a
parameter, as well as one or both of the
coordinates of a point in a plane.

One curve corresponds to each value of the
parameter.

Obtained by eliminating arbitrary constants
(but leaving the parameters) through
differentiation of equation of relation.
 Example
Given:
1. Straight lines with slope and x-intercept
equal.
2. Circles tangent to the x-axis.
3. Parabolas with vertex and focus on the x-axis.
4. The trisectrices of Maclaurin
y ( a + x ) = x ( 3a − x )
2 2
 Example
Answers:
1. ( y ') = xy '− y
2

2 3 2
2. 1 + ( y ' )  =  yy "+ 1 + ( y ') 
2
   
3. yy "+ ( y ' ) = 0
2

4. ( 3 x − 6 x y − y ) dx + 8 x ydy = 0
4 2 2 4 3