# Can we differentiate a differential equation to determine its order and degree? [duplicate]

It is known that we must need to convert the differential equation in polynomial equation of differential coefficients. But Can we differentiate a differential equation (whose degree is not defined) to determine its order and degree ?

Example to show my doubt clearly:

$$y''=e^{y'}$$

Above differential equation has its degree undefined. Differentiating it with respect to $$x$$

$$y'''=(y'')^2$$

So we may conclude that this is third order differential equation with degree $$=1$$

I know that on differentiating a differential equation number of arbitrary constants of solution equation increases hence we should not differentiate a differential equation in general. But I did not found a reference which states that we cannot differentiate a differential equation to determine its order and degree so I want to confirm my thoughts.

• How exactly is "polynomial form" and "degree" defined for this task? If this is bound only to the highest-order derivative, you do not need to do anything to find that the degree is 1, the original equation is already in polynomial form. May 6 at 8:46
• $y''=ln(y')$ is not polynomial differential equation in $y'$ so degree can't be told 1. Reference toppr.com/guides/maths/differential-equations/…
– Jay
May 6 at 9:28
• From your link "The coefficient of any term containing the highest order derivative should just be a function of x, y, or some lower order derivative." Note that $y'$ is a "lower order derivative". May 6 at 9:37
• $ln$ is not coefficient of $y'$ and $y'$can be coeff of $y"$ is statement meaning 1st point in link for condition of order and degree identification :All of the derivatives in the equation are free from fractional powers, positive as well as negative if any. Am I correct?
– Jay
May 6 at 9:40

According to the link provided, a second order ODE can be said to have a degree if it is of the form $$(y'')^d+a_{d-1}(x,y,y')(y'')^{d-1}+...+a_1(x,y,y')y''+a_0(x,y,y')=0$$ where the coefficient functions are sufficiently regular. The degree is then $$d$$.
So in the equation in question we have $$d=1$$ and $$a_0(x,y,y')=-\ln(y')$$, falling into the required pattern.
• The degree of my original question is clearly stated undefined as per my sir. And $ln(y')$ is not a polynomial function in $y'$