Question

Which of the following best describes why we can get away with only studying first-order equations. Group of answer choices a) We cannot get more accurate than first-order for Ordinary Differential Equations. b) To get higher-order we have to use Partial Differential Equations. c) We can always convert higher-order equations to a system of first-order equations. d) Only first-order equations appear in applications. e) It is impossible to solve systems that are not first order.

Answer 1

C) We can always convert higher-order equations to a system of first-order equations.

This answer is self-explanatory: if higher-order equations can be made into a first-order equation, then, the need to learn how to solve higher-order equations could be considered unrquired.

However, this does not mean that people should not learn how to solve higher-order equations, especially those who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM subjects.

And students should also learn how to convert those equations in first place.