APM346-2022S > Chapter 1

Classification of PDEs

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Weihan Luo:
I am a little bit confused about the classifications of PDES. Namely, I have trouble distinguishing between linear equations versus quasi-linear equations.

In particular, the definition of a linear PDE, from the textbook, is: $au_{x}+bu_{y}+cu-f=0$, where $f= f(x,y)$. However, if we simply move the the $cu$ to the right-hand side, we get: $au_{x}+bu_{y}=f-cu$. Now, define $g(x,y,u) = f(x,y)-cu$, then $au_{x}+bu_{y}=g(x,y,u)$, and the right-hand side now depends on lower-order derivatives, so by definition, it's quasi-linear. Could someone help identify the issue with this argument?

Victor Ivrii:

--- Quote from: Weihan Luo on January 14, 2022, 12:38:03 AM ---In particular, the definition of a linear PDE, from the textbook, is: $au_{x}+bu_{y}+cu-f=0$, where $f= f(x,y)$. However, if we simply move the the $cu$ to the right-hand side, we get: $au_{x}+bu_{y}=f-cu$. Now, define $g(x,y,u) = f(x,y)-cu$, then $au_{x}+bu_{y}=g(x,y,u)$, and the right-hand side now depends on lower-order derivatives, so by definition, it's quasi-linear. Could someone help identify the issue with this argument?

--- End quote ---
First, it will be not just quasilinear, but also  semilinear. Second, it will also be linear since you can move $c(x,y)u$ to the left

Good job, you mastered some $\LaTeX$ basics. :)

Weihan Luo: