Page 14-1
Chapter 14
Differential Equations
In this Chapter we present examples of solving ordinary differential equations
(ODE) using calculator functions. A differential equation is an equation
involving derivatives of the independent variable. In most cases, we seek the
dependent function that satisfies the differential equation.
The CALC/DIFF menu
The DIFFERENTIAL EQNS.. sub-menu within the CALC („Ö) menu
provides functions for the solution of differential equations. The menu is listed
below with system flag 117 set to CHOOSE boxes:
These functions are briefly described next. They will be described in more
detail in later parts of this Chapter.
DESOLVE: Differential Equation SOLVEr, solves differential equations, when
possible
ILAP: Inverse LAPlace transform, L
-1
[F(s)] = f(t)
LAP: LAPlace transform, L[f(t)]=F(s)
LDEC: Linear Differential Equation Command
Solution to linear and non-linear equations
An equation in which the dependent variable and all its pertinent derivatives
are of the first degree is referred to as a linear differential equation
.
Otherwise, the equation is said to be non-linear
.