Definition of characteristic equation in English:
characteristic equation
noun karɪktəˌrɪstɪk ɪˈkweɪʒn
1Mathematics. More fully "Gaussor Gauss's characteristic equation". An equation expressing the curvature of a surface in terms of certain parameters of the surface.
2Mathematics. A quadratic equation in which the derivatives in a second order differential equation are replaced by scalar variables, obtained to facilitate the solution of the differential equation.
3Mathematics. Any equation that in some way characterizes or summarizes something.
4Physics. An equation relating the temperature, pressure, and volume of a gas; specifically the equation PV = RT.
5Mathematics. An equation in which the characteristic polynomial of a particular matrix is equated to zero, which when solved gives the eigenvalues (latent roots) of the matrix.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Philosophical Magazine. From characteristic + equation.
Definition of characteristic equation in US English:
characteristic equation
nounkarɪktəˌrɪstɪk ɪˈkweɪʒn
1Mathematics. More fully "Gaussor Gauss's characteristic equation". An equation expressing the curvature of a surface in terms of certain parameters of the surface.
2Mathematics. A quadratic equation in which the derivatives in a second order differential equation are replaced by scalar variables, obtained to facilitate the solution of the differential equation.
3Mathematics. Any equation that in some way characterizes or summarizes something.
4Physics. An equation relating the temperature, pressure, and volume of a gas; specifically the equation PV = RT.
5Mathematics. An equation in which the characteristic polynomial of a particular matrix is equated to zero, which when solved gives the eigenvalues (latent roots) of the matrix.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in Philosophical Magazine. From characteristic + equation.