LESSON 1

• BASIC CONCEPTS
1.1 Ordinary Differential Equation is an equation involving an independent variable, a dependent
variable and the derivatives of the dependent variable.
Example 1
𝑑𝑦 𝑦2
+
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
= 𝑥 is an O. D.E. with a dependent variable y, and independent variable x.
𝑑2𝑠
𝑑𝑡 2
+ 2𝑠 = 0 is an O. D.E. with dependent variable s and independent variable t.
1.2 Notation:
𝑑𝑦 ′ 𝑑𝑣′
𝑑𝑥
= 𝑦 (𝑥) or y’ , 𝑑𝑡
= 𝑣 (𝑡)
d 2y
2
 y ' ' ( x ) or simply y’’
dx
BASIC CONCEPTS
1.3 Degree of an ODE refers to the algebraic degree (exponents) of the highest ordered derivative afte
clearing off all the fractional exponents in the derivatives.
1.4 Order
The order of an ODE is the order of the highest derivative appearing anywhere in the equation.
Example 2
2 nd st
y’’(x) + (y’(x)) = x is 2 order, 1 degree
dy 3 2 dy 5 rd nd
( 3 )  ( ) is 3 order, 2 degree
dx dx
(y’’)1/2 = xy ( is the same as y’’ = x2y2 ) 2nd order, 1st degree
• BASIC CONCEPTS
1.5 Linearity
An nth order ODE in the unknown ( dependent variable) x is said to be linear if it fits the form:
d ny d n 1 y dy
an ( x ) n  an 1( x ) n 1  ....a1( x )  a0 ( x )y  f ( x )
dx dx dx
The function an(x) n=0, 1, 2, 3…. and f(x) are known and depend only on the variable x, otherwise the
ODE is non linear.
Example 3
y’’ – xy’’ + 3y’ = x is linear ( 2nd order)
y’ + sin y = 0 is non linear
y’’’ + 3y’ + 2y = x2 is linear (3rd order)
y’’ + 4y’ + 2y = ey is non linear
1.7 Kinds of Solution of an ODE
General Solution is a solution containing the number of arbitrary constants equal to the order of the
ODE.
Particular Solution is a solution obtained from the general solution by giving particular values to the
arbitrary constants.
 Problem Set 1
Classify if the given ODE is Linear or Non Linear, Give the Degree, Order , dependent variable and
independent variable.

1. y’(x) + xy’ = 2
2. y’’(x) + (y’(x))2 = x
dv
3. F  m
dt
 dy 
4. 1    y
 dx 
y''
5. k  where y’ = dy/dx
(1  ( y ' )2 )3 / 2
6. D5y + D4y + xD3y = 0 where D = d/dx
di
7. L  Ri  E
dt
8. (y’)4 + xy’’ = y y’ = dy/dx
9. y’ = x2 + y2 y’ = dy/dx
10. y’’ + 2y’ – 8y = x2 + cos x