Final answer:
Linear algebraic equations can arise in the solution of differential equations through finite-difference approximations. In the context of a steady-state mass balance for a chemical in a stream along the axis of flow, the resulting differential equation is d²I(x)/dx² = 0. This equation represents a second-order linear differential equation involving the function I(x) and its second derivative with respect to x.
Step-by-step explanation:
Linear algebraic equations can arise in the solution of differential equations through finite-difference approximations. In the context of a steady-state mass balance for a chemical in a stream along the axis of flow, we can obtain the following differential equation:
d²I(x)/dx² = 0
This equation represents a second-order linear differential equation. It describes a situation where the second derivative of the function I(x) with respect to x is equal to zero, indicating a constant rate of change along the x-axis. This equation can then be solved using algebraic methods to find the solution, I(x), that satisfies the given boundary conditions.