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Difference Equations

Hi I study Economics and have a maths exam tomorrow where the large questions are all on Difference equations and I'm really struggling to understand the concept of Difference equations and how to solve them as well as with initial conditions etc. Is it possible to grasp the concept by the end of today? If so can anyone help break it down for me because I am extremely confused, and worried because as it is worth over half the paper if I don't pass I will certainly fail this exam. Please if anyone knows how to do this please can they teach me I will be extremely grateful
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MCArth
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I assume you mean differential equations right? What exam board, edexcels FP2 exam (which covers first and second order differential equations) was today.

They're pretty straight forward, but do need some practice. Here is a really good resource explaining them quickly and well, which I found.

http://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Maths/A-level/FP2/Worksheets-Notes/Edexcel%20FP2%20Revision%20Sheets.pdf

Scroll down to the parts on first and second order differential equations. If you need any more help having it explained, just quote/tag me and I'll be happy to help.
Original post by MCArth
I assume you mean differential equations right? What exam board, edexcels FP2 exam (which covers first and second order differential equations) was today.

They're pretty straight forward, but do need some practice. Here is a really good resource explaining them quickly and well, which I found.

http://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Maths/A-level/FP2/Worksheets-Notes/Edexcel%20FP2%20Revision%20Sheets.pdf

Scroll down to the parts on first and second order differential equations. If you need any more help having it explained, just quote/tag me and I'll be happy to help.


I believe I'm just doing first order linear difference equations, It's not an Exam board but first year of university, I didn't take A-level Maths so I am doing a 'post-gcse' module and this is the main thing they are testing us on, I'll have a look at this now and will be sure to ask if I need further help. Thanks so much
Original post by The Fat Penguin
I believe I'm just doing first order linear difference equations, It's not an Exam board but first year of university, I didn't take A-level Maths so I am doing a 'post-gcse' module and this is the main thing they are testing us on, I'll have a look at this now and will be sure to ask if I need further help. Thanks so much


"Difference equations" usually refers to discrete recurrence relations rather than differential equations. See https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/teaching/2003/Probability/prob07.pdf
Original post by Prasiortle
"Difference equations" usually refers to discrete recurrence relations rather than differential equations. See https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/teaching/2003/Probability/prob07.pdf


Yes! this is the kind of the stuff I'm answering, thanks so much. Do you know if they are simple to understand after a bit of time?
Original post by The Fat Penguin
Yes! this is the kind of the stuff I'm answering, thanks so much. Do you know if they are simple to understand after a bit of time?


It's not that hard, as long as you are decent at algebraic manipulation. The PDF I linked you to will teach you how to solve the types of difference equation that are easily solvable.

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