CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 9: Differential Equations NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter focuses on Differential Equations, a fundamental topic in Class 12 Mathematics. The NCERT Solutions provided cover the initial concepts of identifying the order and degree of differential equations. Students will learn to determine the highest order derivative present in an equation to find its order, and then identify the highest power of this derivative to determine the degree, provided the equation is a polynomial in its derivatives. The solutions also address cases where the degree is undefined, such as when trigonometric functions of derivatives are involved or when the equation cannot be expressed as a polynomial in derivatives. These detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions are designed to help students grasp these foundational concepts thoroughly, preparing them for more complex problems in differential equations and aiding in their exam revision.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectMathematics
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 9

Chapter summary

Chapter 9, Differential Equations, introduces students to the basic concepts of these equations. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter focus on Exercise 9.1, which involves determining the order and degree of various differential equations. It covers identifying the highest order derivative and its power, while also explaining when the degree is undefined. These solutions provide a clear understanding of these fundamental properties of differential equations.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of a differential equation.
  • Determine the order of a differential equation.
  • Determine the degree of a differential equation when defined.
  • Identify differential equations where the degree is not defined.
  • Apply the definitions of order and degree to various forms of differential equations.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Differential Equations
  • Order of a Differential Equation
  • Degree of a Differential Equation
  • Polynomial in Derivatives
  • Highest Order Derivative
  • Undefined Degree

Important topics

  • Determining the Order of a Differential Equation
  • Determining the Degree of a Differential Equation
  • Conditions for Undefined Degree
  • Identifying Highest Order Derivatives

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Determine the order and degree (if defined) of the differential equation \frac{d^4y}{dx^4} + \sin(y''') = 0.
Solution:

The given differential equation is \frac{d^4y}{dx^4} + \sin(y''') = 0. We can rewrite \frac{d^4y}{dx^4} as y'''' and y''' as the third derivative of y with respect to x.

The highest order derivative present in the equation is y'''', which is the fourth derivative. Therefore, the order of the differential equation is 4.

To determine the degree, we check if the equation is a polynomial in its derivatives. The term \sin(y''') involves the sine of a derivative, which means the equation is not a polynomial in its derivatives. Hence, the degree of this differential equation is not defined.

Question 2

Determine the order and degree (if defined) of the differential equation y' + 5y = 0.
Solution:

The given differential equation is y' + 5y = 0.

The highest order derivative present in the equation is y', which is the first derivative. Therefore, the order of the differential equation is 1.

The equation is a polynomial in its derivatives. The highest power of the highest order derivative (y') is 1. Thus, the degree of the differential equation is 1.

Question 3

Determine the order and degree (if defined) of the differential equation \left(\frac{ds}{dt}\right)^4 + 3s\frac{d^2s}{dt^2} = 0.
Solution:

The given differential equation is \left(\frac{ds}{dt}\right)^4 + 3s\frac{d^2s}{dt^2} = 0.

The derivatives present are \frac{ds}{dt} (first derivative) and \frac{d^2s}{dt^2} (second derivative). The highest order derivative is \frac{d^2s}{dt^2}. Therefore, the order of the differential equation is 2.

The equation is a polynomial in its derivatives (\frac{ds}{dt} and \frac{d^2s}{dt^2}). The highest power of the highest order derivative (\frac{d^2s}{dt^2}) is 1. Thus, the degree of the differential equation is 1.

Question 4

Determine the order and degree (if defined) of the differential equation \left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right)^2 + \cos\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) = 0.
Solution:

The given differential equation is \left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right)^2 + \cos\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) = 0.

The highest order derivative present is \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}, which is the second derivative. Therefore, the order of the differential equation is 2.

To determine the degree, we examine the powers of the derivatives. However, the term \cos\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) involves the cosine of the first derivative. Since the equation is not a polynomial in its derivatives, the degree is not defined.

Question 5

Determine the order and degree (if defined) of the differential equation \left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right)^2 = \cos 3x + \sin 3x.
Solution:

The given differential equation is \left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right)^2 = \cos 3x + \sin 3x.

We can rewrite this as \left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right)^2 - \cos 3x - \sin 3x = 0.

The highest order derivative present is \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}, which is the second derivative. Therefore, the order of the differential equation is 2.

The equation is a polynomial in the derivative \frac{d^2y}{dx^2}. The highest power of this highest order derivative is 2. Thus, the degree of the differential equation is 2.

Question 6

Determine the order and degree (if defined) of the differential equation (y''')^2 + (y'')^3 + (y')^4 + y^5 = 0.
Solution:

The given differential equation is (y''')^2 + (y'')^3 + (y')^4 + y^5 = 0.

The derivatives present are y', y'', and y'''. The highest order derivative is y''', which is the third derivative. Therefore, the order of the differential equation is 3.

The equation is a polynomial in its derivatives (y''', y'', and y'). The highest power of the highest order derivative (y''') is 2. Thus, the degree of the differential equation is 2.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the order with the degree.
  • Incorrectly identifying the highest order derivative.
  • Assuming a degree exists when the equation is not polynomial in derivatives.
  • Not recognizing that trigonometric or other non-polynomial functions of derivatives make the degree undefined.

Revision tips

  • Focus on identifying the highest order derivative first to determine the order.
  • Ensure the differential equation is a polynomial in its derivatives before determining the degree.
  • Pay close attention to terms like sin(y''') or cos(y') which make the degree undefined.
  • Practice with a variety of examples to solidify the understanding of order and degree.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the order of the differential equation <math>\frac{d^4y}{dx^4} + \sin(y''') = 0</math>?

Q2. What is the degree of the differential equation <math>y' + 5y = 0</math>?

Q3. For the differential equation <math>\left(\frac{ds}{dt}\right)^4 + 3s\frac{d^2s}{dt^2} = 0</math>, what is its order?

Q4. What is the degree of the differential equation <math>\left(\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}\right)^2 + \cos\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) = 0</math>?

Q5. The degree of the differential equation <math>(y''')^2 + (y'')^3 + (y')^4 + y^5 = 0</math> is:

Frequently asked questions

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is an equation that relates a function with its derivatives. It is a fundamental concept in calculus and is used to model various phenomena in science and engineering.

How do I find the order of a differential equation?

The order of a differential equation is determined by the order of the highest derivative present in the equation. For example, if the highest derivative is the third derivative (<math>y'''</math>), the order is 3.

How do I find the degree of a differential equation?

The degree of a differential equation is the highest power of the highest order derivative, provided the equation is a polynomial in its derivatives. If the equation involves trigonometric functions or other non-polynomial terms of derivatives, the degree may be undefined.

When is the degree of a differential equation undefined?

The degree of a differential equation is undefined if it cannot be expressed as a polynomial in its derivatives. This often occurs when derivatives appear inside trigonometric functions, exponential functions, or fractional powers.

Are these solutions suitable for exam revision?

Yes, these NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for determining the order and degree of differential equations, which are essential concepts for Class 12 Mathematics exams. They help reinforce understanding and identify common pitfalls.

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