Differential equations are used to represent the effects of continuous-time systems on signals. Signal processing methods are often used to compensate for the effect of such systems. In this lesson you will learn how the parameters of the differential equation describe the characteristics of the system. You will learn how the stability of the system and transient response characteristics depend on the roots of the system's characteristic equation. Understanding the relationship between differential equation coefficients and system characteristics will give you very useful insight for working models for the effects of continuous-time systems on signals.