difference equation
A difference equation is an equation that describes how something changes in discrete time steps. In the calculus of finite differences, a difference equation plays a role analogous to that played by a differential equation in calculus. The calculus of finite differences deals with discrete quantities; unlike calculus which deals with continuous quantities (see continuity).
For a function f (x) at a particular value xn, we define Δf (xn) as f (xn+1) – f (xn), where Δ is called the difference operator. From this, we find that Δ2f (xn) – i.e., Δ(f (xn+1) – f (xn) – can be expressed as f (xn+2) – 2f (xn+1) + f (xn); and so forth for Δf (xn), ..., Δmf (xn).
A difference table may be constructed showing values of Δf (xn), Δ2f (xn), ..., Δmf (xn), ..., and from this a relationship between the differences may be deduced.
Generally, then, a difference equation is any equation that expresses such a relationship; and use may be made of it to find discrete values for f(x) which lie outside the known range. Approximation of a differential equation to a suitable difference equation is often a powerful tool in the solution of the former.
Numerical solutions to integrals are usually realized as difference equations.
