difference equation

noun — 2 senses

difference equation

noun
1

Mathematics, Sciences An equation involving an ordered sequence of real numbers (a_nₙ₌₁ ᪲) and some of its differences, where the first difference is defined as Δ(a_n)=a_n+1-a_n, and the kᵗʰ difference is defined recursively as Δᵏ(a_n)=Δᵏ⁻¹(a_n+1)-Δᵏ⁻¹(a_n),.

2

Mathematics, Sciences more broadly, any recurrence relation

Related terms
differential equation

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