What is Dynamical systems theory?
[[Image:Lorenz attractor yb.svg|thumb|240px|right|The [[Lorenz attractor]] is an example of a [[non-linear]] dynamical system. Studying this system helped to start [[Chaos theory]].]] '''Dynamical systems theory''' is a field of [[applied mathematics]] that studies objects that change over time. Mathematicians in this field study equations that define these objects. A classic example includes [[equations of motion]], which have been used to learn about basic behavior of mechanical systems. Equations can either describe changes across finite periods of time (or [[Recurrence relation|difference equations]]) or changes with time being continuous time ([[differential equations]]). When differential equations are used, the theory is called ''continuous'' dynamical systems theory. When difference equations are used, it is called ''discrete'' dynamical systems theory. The theory looks at the long-term behaviour of dynamical systems. The study also includes the motion of planets, or electronic circuits. {{math-stub}} [[Category:Fields of mathematics]]