Calculus and change
Differential equation
An equation that relates an unknown function to one or more of its derivatives.
Common notationF(x,y,y′,…)=0
In one sentence
What does Differential equation mean?
An equation that relates an unknown function to one or more of its derivatives.
How it is written
F(x,y,y′,…)=0
A compact example
dy/dt=ky models change proportional to the current amount.
Other names and search terms
ODE.
Where this fits
When should you learn Differential equation?
The first encounter is not the final level. Many ideas begin visually, become computational in high school and become formal in college.
- 1Pre-high schoolPrepare foundations
- 2High schoolUsually introduced
- 3CollegeGreater depth
- 4AdvancedGreater depth
- Calculus
- Differential equations
- Functions
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Continuous models
- Wave equations
- Optimisation
Derivatives and integrals describe evolution, waves and measurable quantities.
Open the Zero-to-QM pathClear answers
Questions about Differential equation
What does Differential equation mean in mathematics?
An equation that relates an unknown function to one or more of its derivatives.
How is Differential equation written?
A common notation is F(x,y,y′,…)=0.
What is an example of Differential equation?
dy/dt=ky models change proportional to the current amount.