[Math] the difference between closed-form expression and analytic expression

terminology

What is the difference between closed-form expression and analytic expression?

I often see them get referenced in settings where (in my opinion) they are essentially interchangeable.

What is a tangible difference between them, such as something one can do whereas the other cannot?

Best Answer

We wouldn't say "closed-form" for the solution of a differential equation, neither "analytic expression" for the solution of a difference equation (at least this is my impression). On the other hand, most probably, in this particular example we would use them interchanged!

But yes, I would say that they are essentially interchangeable. I would use also "explicit form" (again essentially interchangeable with those that you mention).

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