linear differential equation

American  

noun

Mathematics.

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

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Etymology

Origin of linear differential equation

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

This is the group called the rationality group, or the group of transformations of the original homogeneous linear differential equation.

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