differential equation
noun
: an equation containing differentials or derivatives of functions compare partial differential equation
Examples of differential equation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her formula is complicated, but Sarnak hails it as an important new kind of function, comparable to the Airy functions that define solutions to differential equations used in a variety of contexts in physics, ranging from optics to quantum mechanics.
—
Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024
These utilize a liquid neural network design, but there's a key addition – researchers have figured out how to solve differential equations simulating the interaction of two neurons through synapses (applying, in the models, ‘sigmoidal’ synapse designs).
—John Werner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Applying differential equations to each node, these new networks can do the same kinds of advanced things that a traditional network did with 1000 or 2000 neurons.
—John Werner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
On the left are the differential equations that model the flight of the lunar lander in their textbook form.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2023
Engineers connected potentiometers and op-amps to set up representations of knotty differential equations and read the solutions as varying output voltages.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2023
One paper posted in July uses them to construct solutions to a system of differential equations used to model everything from predator-prey interactions to waves traveling in high-energy plasmas.
—Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
The Fourier transform has played a fundamental role in solving differential equations, expressing quantum mechanical ideas like the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and analyzing and processing signals — making things like modern mobile phones possible.
—Quanta Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023
The students then learned to map out the likely impact of teeth scrubbing on plaque growth, before pivoting to other possible applications of advanced concepts like vector spaces and differential equations.
—Daniel Mollenkamp, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024
These utilize a liquid neural network design, but there's a key addition – researchers have figured out how to solve differential equations simulating the interaction of two neurons through synapses (applying, in the models, ‘sigmoidal’ synapse designs).
—John Werner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Applying differential equations to each node, these new networks can do the same kinds of advanced things that a traditional network did with 1000 or 2000 neurons.
—John Werner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
On the left are the differential equations that model the flight of the lunar lander in their textbook form.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2023
Engineers connected potentiometers and op-amps to set up representations of knotty differential equations and read the solutions as varying output voltages.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2023
One paper posted in July uses them to construct solutions to a system of differential equations used to model everything from predator-prey interactions to waves traveling in high-energy plasmas.
—Alex Stone, Quanta Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
The Fourier transform has played a fundamental role in solving differential equations, expressing quantum mechanical ideas like the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and analyzing and processing signals — making things like modern mobile phones possible.
—Quanta Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023
The students then learned to map out the likely impact of teeth scrubbing on plaque growth, before pivoting to other possible applications of advanced concepts like vector spaces and differential equations.
—Daniel Mollenkamp, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'differential equation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1704, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of differential equation was
in 1704
Dictionary Entries Near differential equation
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“Differential equation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential%20equation. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about differential equation
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