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differential 

Noun
1704

1 a : the product of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable b : a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function
2 : a difference between comparable individuals or classes <a price differential>; also : the amount of such a difference
Adjective
1647

1 a : of, relating to, or constituting a difference : DISTINGUISHING b : making a distinction between individuals or classes c : based on or resulting from a differential d : functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
2 : being, relating to, or involving a differential or differentiation
3 a : relating to quantitative differences b : producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
differential by Buffy69 June 2, 2004
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Differential Equation 

A course commonly taken in college by math, engineering and various other majors. It is a field of mathematics created for the sole reason of torturing anyone who thought calculus was easy. In many cases attending lectures in this class will cause mild to severe brain trauma depending on the competency of the lecturer and the student.
Joe: "So are you taking any math this semester?"

Laura: "Yeah, I'm in differential equations."

Joe: "Yeah...Mike took that last semester."

Mike: "Uggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhh."

Joe: "Aww how nice, I think he was wishing you good luck."
Differential Equation by 'ice' November 11, 2009

Differential Equation 

1. An equation with one or more variables relating with their respective derivative(s) at different magnitudes.
2. Differential Equations is a college course used for Math, Physics, Engineering, etc. majors
Dara, I know I will bomb my Differential Equations exam tomorrow without your help!
Differential Equation by DaraDDS January 16, 2009

Differential Systems

Systems described by differential equations—equations that relate rates of change to current states. Differential Systems are the mathematics of continuous change, of processes that unfold smoothly over time. They're used to model everything from planetary motion to population dynamics to chemical reactions. Differential Systems assume continuity, smoothness, predictability—assumptions that hold in some domains but fail in others. They're the tools of classical physics, of engineering, of any domain where change is gradual and causes are proportional. Understanding Differential Systems is understanding a certain kind of world: smooth, predictable, governable.
Example: "His model used differential equations to predict population growth. It worked beautifully—until the population hit a threshold and crashed. Differential Systems assumed smooth change; reality had a discontinuity. The model was perfect and useless. He needed tools that could handle jumps, not just smooth curves."

Limited Slip Differential 

A type of automotive differential, that allows the driven wheels to spin at different speeds. However, unlike an open differential, an LSD has a mechanism to prevent the driven wheels from spinning too fast in relation to one another. This prevents a slipping wheel from robbing the power from the wheel with traction.

These properties lend themselves well for track driving, off-roading, inclement weather, drifting, and burnouts.
Awesome cars such as the R-34 Skyline and the Chevrolet Corvette can be found with a limited slip differential.

Different types of Limited Slip Differential include viscous, clutch-type, helical, and Torsen (torque-sensing).

Ordinary Differential Equation 

An equation that uses rates to torture undergraduate students using nonsensical rules and made up solutions that have no bearing on reality. These are designed to humiliate and confuse typical students.
Oh man, I tried to hook up with this girl from the club last night but she was a total O.D.E (ordinary differential equation)