linear differential equation

American

noun

Mathematics.

an equation involving derivatives in which the dependent variables and all derivatives appearing in the equation are raised to the first power.

Etymology

Origin of linear differential equation

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This leads to a general method for solving a first-order linear differential equation.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Prove that if a, b, and c are positive constants, then all solutions to the second-order linear differential equation ay″ + by′ + cy = 0 approach zero as x → ∞.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

We can use a five-step problem-solving strategy for solving a first-order linear differential equation that may or may not include an initial value.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

The differential equation in this initial-value problem is an example of a first-order linear differential equation.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

A similar result holds for a linear differential equation of any order, say dny + P1 dn-1y + ...

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023