Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Differential Equations: A Universal Language, Bethany Caron

Senior Honors Projects

“Mathematics knows no races or geographic boundaries; for mathematics, the cultural world is one country.” – David Hilbert Differential equations are equations of one or more variables that involve both functions and their derivatives. These equations have many applications to the everyday “non-math” world, including modeling in engineering, physics, biology, chemistry, and economics. Differential equations are used when a situation arises where one needs to study a continuously changing quantity (expressed as a function) and its rate of change (expressed through its derivatives). The solutions to differential equations are functions that make the original equation hold true, and they can …