Question

Which of these is not an analytical method to solve partial differential equations?

(a) Change of variables

(b) Superposition principle

(c) Finite Element method

(d) Integral transform

I got this question at a job interview.

Question is taken from Partial Differential Equation in division Mathematical Behaviour of Partial Differential Equations of Computational Fluid Dynamics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) Finite Element method

For explanation: Change of variables, Superposition principle, and Integral transform are all analytical methods. It is difficult to solve partial differential equations using analytical methods. Finite Element method is a numerical method to solve partial differential equations.