Find the particular solution to the differential equation given the initial condition .
Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 3h 16m
- 11. Integrals of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 34m
- 12. Techniques of Integration7h 39m
- 13. Intro to Differential Equations2h 55m
- 14. Sequences & Series5h 36m
- 15. Power Series2h 19m
- 16. Parametric Equations & Polar Coordinates7h 58m
13. Intro to Differential Equations
Basics of Differential Equations
Struggling with Calculus?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
State the order of the differential equation and indicate if it is linear or nonlinear.
A
order, linear
B
1st order, nonlinear
C
order, linear
D
2nd order, nonlinear

1
Identify the highest derivative present in the differential equation. In this case, the equation is y′∙y = 3e^t, where y′ (the first derivative of y with respect to t) is the highest derivative. Therefore, the equation is a first-order differential equation.
Determine if the equation is linear or nonlinear. A differential equation is linear if the dependent variable (y) and its derivatives (y′, y″, etc.) appear to the first power and are not multiplied by each other. In this equation, y′ is multiplied by y, which makes it nonlinear.
Conclude that the differential equation is a first-order, nonlinear equation based on the analysis above.
Review the definitions of 'order' and 'linearity' in differential equations to reinforce understanding. The order is determined by the highest derivative, and linearity depends on whether the dependent variable and its derivatives appear linearly (not multiplied or raised to powers).
Verify the classification by comparing the equation to standard forms of linear and nonlinear differential equations to ensure the conclusion is correct.
Watch next
Master Classifying Differential Equations with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Multiple Choice
Basics of Differential Equations practice set
