Which type of equations allow us to model quantities that change in discrete time steps?
Group of answer choices
Differential equations
Difference equations
Difference equations
The type of equations that allow us to model quantities that change in discrete time steps are called Difference equations.
To determine which type of equations allow us to model quantities that change in discrete time steps, we can break down the answer choices and explain each one:
1. Differential equations:
- These equations are used to model quantities that change continuously over time.
- They involve derivatives and describe the rate of change of a quantity.
- Differential equations are suitable for modeling continuous systems such as motion, growth, and decay.
2. Difference equations:
- These equations are used to model quantities that change at discrete time steps.
- They involve the differences between values of a quantity at different time points.
- Difference equations are suitable for modeling systems where the change occurs in distinct steps or intervals, such as time-series data or discrete event systems.
From the given answer choices, the equations that allow us to model quantities that change in discrete time steps are the difference equations.