# Math Help - Linear/non-linear

1. ## Linear/non-linear

Just a simple question:

Is cosxdy/dx = x non-linear because of cosx?

Just a simple question:

Is cosxdy/dx = x non-linear because of cosx?
An differential operator $L$ is linear iff for any two solutions $y_1(x)$ and $y_2(x)$ of $Ly=0$ and any constants $\alpha, \beta \in \mathbb{C}$ then $y(x)=\alpha y_1(x)+\beta y_2(x)$ is also a solution. An ODE is linear if it is of the form $Ly=f(x),\ L$ a linear differential operator

Now you can check for yourself.

CB

3. Any first ODE that can be written as

$\dfrac{dy}{dx} = P(x) y + Q(x)$

i.e. linear in both $y$ and $y'$ is a linear ODE. Your ODE is

$\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \sec x \, y$ so it's $\cdots$

4. Originally Posted by Danny
Any first ODE that can be written as

$\dfrac{dy}{dx} = P(x) y + Q(x)$

i.e. linear in both $y$ and $y'$ is a linear ODE. Your ODE is

$\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \sec x \, y$ so it's $\cdots$
I would rather stick with the definition of linearity; less to remember. It is also a property of interest (that solutions satisfy superposition)

CB

5. But aren't you assuming two independent solutions (for a first order ODE?).

6. Originally Posted by Danny
But aren't you assuming two independent solutions (for a first order ODE?).
As it happens, no. The definition still holds. (Alternatively, what else would linear mean?)

CB

7. According to the wiki, a linear differential equation is of the form

$Ly(x)=f(x),$ where $L$ is a linear differential operator.

That is, you apply CB's definition of linearity to the operator, not necessarily to the entire equation. If the equation is homogeneous, they'll turn out to be the same thing. But even a non-homogeneous linear DE does not obey the superposition principle except in its homogeneous solution.

This is my understanding.

8. Originally Posted by Ackbeet
According to the wiki, a linear differential equation is of the form

$Ly(x)=f(x),$ where $L$ is a linear differential operator.

That is, you apply CB's definition of linearity to the operator, not necessarily to the entire equation. If the equation is homogeneous, they'll turn out to be the same thing. But even a non-homogeneous linear DE does not obey the superposition principle except in its homogeneous solution.

This is my understanding.
Opps.. that is what I should have said.

CB