characteristic equation

[ kar-ik-tuh-ris-tik i-kwey-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

noun

1. Mathematics.
   1. the characteristic polynomial of a given matrix, equated to zero.
   2. Also called aux·il·ia·ry e·qua·tion [awg-, zil, -y, uh, -ree i-, kwey, -zh, uh, n, -sh, uh, n, -, zil, uh, -]. an equation with one variable and equated to zero, which is derived from a given linear differential equation and in which the coefficient and power of the variable in each term correspond to the coefficient and order of a derivative in the original equation.
2. Physics. equation of state.

Word History and Origins

Origin of characteristic equation¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In the next place apply the surface characteristic equation to any point on a charged conductor at which the surface density is σ.

From Project Gutenberg