Q.Degree of the differential equation is:
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The degree of a differential equation is defined only when it is a polynomial in the derivatives. Since is a transcendental function of the derivative, the equation is not a polynomial in , so its degree is not defined. The correct option is (c).
The degree of a differential equation is a surprisingly subtle idea. Many students rush to count the highest power of the highest-order derivative, but that only works when the equation is a polynomial in the derivatives. If the equation contains terms like , , , or , the very notion of "degree" breaks down — because these are not polynomial expressions.
Let’s see why this matters here.
- Identify the order first. The given equation is:
The highest derivative present is (first derivative). So the order is 1. That’s straightforward.
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Now check if the equation is a polynomial in the derivative.
For degree to be defined, the equation must be expressible as a polynomial in (after clearing radicals, if any). Here, the term is a cosine of the derivative. No amount of algebraic manipulation will turn into a polynomial in — it’s a transcendental function.
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Apply the definition.
The standard definition (NCERT, CBSE, and all major boards) states:
The degree of a differential equation is the power of the highest-order derivative, provided the equation is a polynomial equation in derivatives.
Since is not a polynomial in , the condition fails. Therefore, the degree is not defined. …
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