Ordinary differential equation facts for kids

The trajectory of a projectile launched from a cannon follows a curve determined by an ordinary differential equation that is derived from Newton's second law.

An ordinary differential equation (often shortened to ODE) is a differential equation which contains one free variable, and its derivatives. Ordinary differential equations are used for many scientific models and predictions. The term ordinary is used to differentiate them from partial differential equations, which contain more than one free variable, and their derivatives.

Numerical methods

Since ODEs have appeared in mathematics and physics, many scientists have studied methods to solve them. But unfortunately, no one could establish methods to solve any kind of ODE. Therefore, numerical methods for ODEs are widely studied since the appearance of computers.

Literature

• Arnolʹd, V. I., Ordinary differential equations. Springer.
• Wolfgang Walter, Ordinary differential equations. Springer.
• Logemann, H., & Ryan, E. P. (2014). Ordinary differential equations: Analysis, qualitative theory and control. Springer.
• Hermann, M., & Saravi, M. (2014). A First Course in Ordinary Differential Equations. Analytical and Numerical Methods, Springer India.
• Chicone, C. (2006). Ordinary differential equations with applications. Springer Science & Business Media.

See also

In Spanish: Ecuación diferencial ordinaria para niños