Definition
An autonomous system is a system of ordinary differential equations of the form
where x takes values in n-dimensional Euclidean space and t is usually time.
It is distinguished from systems of differential equations of the form
in which the law governing the rate of motion of a particle depends not only on the particle's location, but also on time; such systems are not autonomous.
Read more about this topic: Autonomous System (mathematics)
Famous quotes containing the word definition:
“Perhaps the best definition of progress would be the continuing efforts of men and women to narrow the gap between the convenience of the powers that be and the unwritten charter.”
—Nadine Gordimer (b. 1923)
“... we all know the wag’s definition of a philanthropist: a man whose charity increases directly as the square of the distance.”
—George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)
“I’m beginning to think that the proper definition of “Man” is “an animal that writes letters.””
—Lewis Carroll [Charles Lutwidge Dodgson] (1832–1898)