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 auxiliary equation. 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