ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Stiff equation

Okay kiddo, so imagine you have a big math problem to solve. Let's say you have to figure out how much money you'll have if you save $5 every day for a whole year. That's not too hard, right?

But what if the problem is bigger and way more complicated? Like, what if you have to figure out how different parts of a car are working together to make it run smoothly? That's a lot harder, and you might need some special tools and equations to solve it.

Now, imagine the problem is even BIGGER and more complicated than that. That's what we call a "stiff equation." It's like the problem is so complex and there are so many variables that it's really hard to solve.

When we're talking about stiff equations, we're usually talking about certain types of equations that are really common in science and engineering. These equations involve things like temperature, pressure, and how substances are moving around. And they can be really important for solving real-world problems like designing airplanes or predicting the weather.

But because they're so complicated, scientists and engineers have to use special methods to solve them. They might use computers or special techniques that help them get the right answers.

So there you have it, kiddo. A stiff equation is like a really big math problem that scientists and engineers have to work extra hard to solve. But with the right tools and techniques, they can figure it out and make amazing discoveries!