A first-order differential equation is one of the simplest forms of differential equations. These equations involve the first derivative of a function. In the simplest terms, it tells us how a function is changing at a given point. The general form of a first-order differential equation is expressed as \[ y'(x) = f(x, y). \]Here, \( y' \) denotes the derivative of \( y \) with respect to \( x \), and \( f(x, y) \) is a given function.
- First-order equations can be linear or non-linear.
- They are crucial in modeling real-world processes that change over time.
In our exercise, the equation \( y'(x) = 4\tan(2x) - 3\cos(x) \) represents a first-order form. Understanding such equations is fundamental in calculus, particularly when dealing with changes in natural and engineered systems.