characteristic equation

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Mathematics.

the characteristic polynomial of a given matrix, equated to zero.
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.

QUIZZES

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

First recorded in 1920–25

She said the defining characteristic of her husband was his sensitivity.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind|Brin-Jonathan Butler|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Perhaps, like Hawking searching for his elegant equation, filmmakers will never find the answer.
Why Can’t Movies Capture Genius?|Clive Irving|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He wears his characteristic white shalwar kameez with a tattered gray waistcoat.
Heart of Darkness: Into Afghanistan’s Taliban Valley|Matt Trevithick, Daniel Seckman|November 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Most have been straightforward cases where the child came in with the characteristic rash.
Predator Doctors Take Advantage of Patients With ‘Chronic Lyme’ Scam|Russell Saunders|September 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Any person or group can be prejudiced against another group, for any reason and based on any characteristic.
What We Need Are Anti-Racists|Gene Robinson|August 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Fibrinous casts are characteristic of fibrinous bronchitis, but may also be found in diphtheria of the smaller bronchi.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
In this case, I suspect, there was co-operant a strongly marked childish characteristic, the love of producing an effect.
Children's Ways|James Sully
A characteristic which distinguished them and which impressed Mrs. Pontellier most forcibly was their entire absence of prudery.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
Most characteristic is the presence of Curschmann's spirals, Charcot-Leyden crystals, and eosinophilic leukocytes.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
When pneumonia occurs during the course of a chronic bronchitis, the characteristic rusty red sputum may not appear.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd