Definition:Field of Directions

Definition
Consider the following system of differential equations:


 * $(1): \quad \mathbf y' = \map {\mathbf f} {x, \mathbf y, \mathbf y'}$

where $\mathbf y$ is an $n$-dimensional vector.

Let the boundary conditions be prescribed $\forall x \in \closedint a b$:


 * $\mathbf y' = \map {\boldsymbol \psi} {x, \mathbf y}$

Let these boundary conditions be consistent for all $x_1, x_2 \in \closedint a b$.

Then the family of mutually consistent boundary conditions is called a field of directions for the given system $(1)$.

That is, the first-order system is valid in an interval instead of a countable set of points.