Zaymiey

📐 Mathematics  ·  Differential Equations  ·  JEE

A differential equation is linear if:

Answer: The dependent variable and all its derivatives appear with power 1.

  • A The dependent variable and all its derivatives appear with power 1
  • B First-order derivatives specifically are present, regardless of their powers
  • C The independent variable x appears, with y largely absent from the expression
  • D All the coefficients multiplying the derivatives are constants

Correct answer: A. The dependent variable and all its derivatives appear with power 1

Explanation: Linear DE: dependent variable (y) and all its derivatives appear with power 1. No products like y × y', etc.

Family of Solution Curves: y = Ax²Each value of the constant A gives ONE particular curve from the family

The general solution y=Ax² represents an entire FAMILY of curves, one for each value of the arbitrary constant A; a particular solution (fixed by an initial condition) selects exactly one curve from this family.

Concept context

Equations involving derivatives and their solutions

Read the full Differential Equations notes →