Skip to content
Question

Q.Write the order and degree of the differential equation (d4ydx4)2=[x+(dydx)2]3\left(\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4}\right)^2 = \left[x + \left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)^2\right]^3.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2019Subjective· 1mImportance★★★★★
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →

The order of a differential equation is the highest derivative present; the degree is the power of that highest derivative when the equation is polynomial in all derivatives. Here, order is 44 and degree is 22.

Understanding Order and Degree

The order of a differential equation tells you the highest number of times you've differentiated the dependent variable. It's the "deepest" derivative that appears.

The degree is subtler: once you've cleared radicals and fractions involving derivatives (making the equation polynomial in all its derivatives), the degree is the exponent on the highest-order derivative. Think of it as the algebraic degree of the "leading term" when you view the equation as a polynomial in derivatives.

Finding the Order

  1. Identify all derivatives present.

    The equation is:

(d4ydx4)2=[x+(dydx)2]3\left(\frac{d^4y}{dx^4}\right)^2 = \left[x + \left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right)^2\right]^3

We see d4ydx4\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4} (the fourth derivative) and dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} (the first derivative).

  1. Pick the highest order.

    The highest derivative is d4ydx4\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4}, which is a fourth-order derivative.

Order = 44.

Finding the Degree

  1. Check if the equation is polynomial in all derivatives.

    The equation is already in a form where no derivative appears under a radical or in a denominator. Both sides are polynomial expressions in the derivatives:

    • Left side: (d4ydx4)2\left(\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4}\right)^2 is the fourth derivative raised to power 22.
    • Right side: [x+(dydx)2]3\left[x + \left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)^2\right]^3 expands to terms involving powers of dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx}, but the highest-order derivative d4ydx4\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4} only appears on the left.
  2. Determine the power of the highest-order derivative. …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.