Lecture 12

Classification of D.E
We will classify of the following differential equations as ordinary or partial
differential equations, state the order of each equation, and determine
whether the equation under consideration is linear or nonlinear.

➢ Ordinary differential equation ( O.D.E. ) is the differential equation

involving ordinary derivatives of one or more dependent variables
with respect to a single independent variable.

➢ Partial differential equation is the differential equation involving

ordinary derivatives of one or more dependent variables with respect
to more than one independent variable.

➢ The order of a differential equation is equal to the order of the

highest differential coefficient that it contains.

This differential equation is of third order.

➢ The degree of a differential equation is the highest power of the
highest order differential coefficient that the equation contains after
it has been rationalized.

This differential equation is of first degree.

➢ The differential equation is nonlinear if there is a product between

dependent variable themselves, or a product between the dependant
variable and/or any of its derivatives, its various derivatives occur to
the any degree other than first degree, or there is a trancendental
function of y and/ or its derivatives occur.

This equation is linear differential equation.

This equation is nonlinear differential equation.