MATE 2301 – Reading – 22-08-2022-01

2.3 Modeling with first order equations

Construction of the model

Is the translation of the physical situation into mathematical terms.

Analysis of the model

The solution of the resulting differential equations or the finding or a simpler equation that
approximates to the behavior of the equation that was obtained from the previous step.

Comparison with experiment or observation

Comparing the mathematical result with the real-life situation in order to corroborate if the
solution is appropriate.

2.4 Differences between linear and nonlinear equations

Theorem 2.4.1

Given the differential equation in canonical form

'
y + p ( t ) y=g ( t )
Given that p and g are continuous on an open interval containing a t o point, then there is only one
and only one unique function y=ϕ (t) that satisfies the differential equation.

Theorem 2.4.2

δf
Having the functions f and be continuous in some rectangle α <t< β , γ < y <δ containing the
δy
point of interest (t o , y o). Then, in some interval t o−h< t<t o +h contained in α <t< β , there is a
unique solution y=ϕ (t) of the initial value problem