are: conditions which specify the value of the dependent variable or its derivatives, for specific values of the independent variable. [M6.1, P11.1, P11.2]
can be used: to determine (or help to determine) any arbitrary constants that arise in the general solution of a differential equation. [P5.4, P5.5, P11.1, P11.2]
often arise as: conditions imposed on a wave at the boundary of a medium, usually involving the value of either the displacement of the medium or the derivative of the displacement with respect to position. [P5.6, P10.3]
Copyright 1997, The Open University