Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An initial value problem is a type of differential equation that involves finding the solution to an equation along with specific conditions at a given starting point.
Initial conditions are specific values or information given at the starting point of an initial value problem. They help determine the unique solution to the problem.
A particular solution refers to one specific solution that satisfies both the differential equation and the initial conditions. It is obtained by solving for any arbitrary constants in the general solution.