Question

Determine the order of the following differential equations.\(\frac{d y}{d t}=t\)

Short answer

The order of the differential equation is 1.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Differential Equation

First, we take a look at the given differential equation: \(\frac{d y}{d t} = t\).

Determine the Highest Derivative

Identify the derivatives present in the equation. Here, the equation includes \(\frac{d y}{d t}\), which is the first derivative of \(y\) with respect to \(t\).

Determine the Order

The order of a differential equation is defined by the highest derivative that appears in the equation. In this case, the first derivative \(\frac{d y}{d t}\) is the only derivative present, making it the highest.

Conclude the Order

Since the highest derivative is the first derivative, the order of the differential equation \(\frac{d y}{d t} = t\) is 1.

Key concepts

Order of Differential Equations

Differential equations describe the relationship between a function and its derivatives. A key characteristic of these equations is their "order." The order of a differential equation is determined by the highest derivative that appears in the equation. For example, consider the equation \(\frac{d y}{d t} = t\). Because \(\frac{d y}{d t}\) is the first and only derivative present, the order is 1.

Recognizing the order of a differential equation is crucial because it gives insight into the complexity of the equation and any potential solutions. Higher-order equations often have more complicated solutions, requiring advanced methods for solving.

• The order is independent of the function or variables involved, focusing solely on the highest derivative present.
• Common orders in differential equations include first, second, and third, each adding a layer of complexity.

First Derivative

The first derivative of a function represents the rate at which the function's value changes with respect to a change in its variable. In calculus, the first derivative provides instantaneous change, often interpreted as a measure of the slope of a curve at a given point.

Consider the differential equation \(\frac{d y}{d t} = t\). Here, \(\frac{d y}{d t}\) is the first derivative of the function \(y\) concerning the variable \(t\). This tells us how \(y\) changes at different moments in time for various values of \(t\).

• First derivatives are often used in motion problems to find velocity, representing how fast something changes in position over time.
• They also help in identifying increasing or decreasing trends in functions by determining the slope's sign.

First derivatives are foundational in understanding more complex calculus concepts, acting as a stepping stone to higher derivatives.

Calculus

Calculus is a fundamental branch of mathematics focused on studying change. It involves two core concepts: differentiation and integration. Differentiation deals with understanding the rate of change of functions, as seen with first derivatives, while integration focuses on the accumulation of quantities.

In the context of the given differential equation, \(\frac{d y}{d t} = t\), calculus helps identify how "y" changes over time. This differential equation is a simple representation of change and is a crucial part of calculus since it deals directly with the notion of derivatives.

• Calculus is widely used across disciplines, from physics to economics, due to its power in modeling real-world scenarios.
• It provides tools to solve complex problems like optimizing functions or predicting system behaviors over time.

By understanding both the theoretical and practical aspects of calculus, students can solve diverse problems using differential equations, enhancing their mathematical toolkit for various applications.