Differential:
Eric Lindblom
Cognitive Science Systems
Harvard University
To differ:
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French differer to postpone, be different, from Latin differre, from dis- + ferre to carry -- more at BEAR
1 a : to be unlike or distinct in nature, form, or characteristics
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/differ
Differential Statistics
"A differential equation is a
mathematical equation for an unknown function of one or several variables that relates the values of the function itself and of its derivatives of various orders."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_equation
"Differential Equations are the language in which the laws of nature are expressed. Understanding properties of solutions of differential equations is fundamental to much of contemporary science and engineering. Ordinary differential equations (ODE's) deal with functions of one variable, which can often be thought of as time. Topics include: Solution of first-order ODE's by analytical, graphical and numerical methods; Linear ODE's, especially second order with constant coefficients; Undetermined coefficients and variation of parameters; Sinusoidal and exponential signals: oscillations, damping, resonance; Complex numbers and exponentials; Fourier series, periodic solutions; Delta functions, convolution, and Laplace transform methods; Matrix and first order linear systems: eigenvalues and eigenvectors; and Non-linear autonomous systems: critical point analysis and phase plane diagrams." http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Mathematics/18-03Spring-2006/CourseHome/index.htm "Differential equations play a central role in describing natural phenomena as well as the complex processes that arise from science and technology. Differential Equations and Nonlinear Mechanics is a forum for the ing and analysis of nonlinear phenomena. One of the principal aims of the journal is to promote cross-fertilization between the various sub-disciplines of the sciences: physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as various branches of engineering and the medical sciences." http://www.hindawi.com/journals/denm/ Exhaustive Information: http://www.sosmath.com/diffeq/diffeq.html http://www.jeomj.rmi.acnet.ge/memoirs/
Linear Phase Portraits Mathlet
credit: mit.edu

Linear Phase Portraits Mathlet from the d'Arbeloff Interactive Math Project. (Image courtesy of Hu Hohn and Prof. Haynes Miller.)

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