# Cannot solve to find an explicit formula for the derivatives. Consider using the option Method->{“EquationSimplification”->“Residual”} error

I try to numerically solve a first order system of linear ODE's with quite complicated time-dependent coefficients. When I use NDSolve, I get an error

NDSolve::ntdv: Cannot solve to find an explicit formula for the derivatives. Consider using the option Method->{"EquationSimplification"->"Residual"}

But when I use this method, evaluation becomes extremely long (actually, I still have no result, even now it's calculating...). Is there any way, to make it faster or I just have to wait?

I'd like to add that the proposed method (Residual simplification) doesn't work, because i work with complex functions.

• Problems with code generally require the code for help. -- Have you tried solving for the derivatives yourself (e.g. using Solve[])? – Michael E2 Nov 5 '16 at 21:21
• Actually, code won't help you. My system of ODE looks like a'[t]==K[t]*a[t], (plus initial conditions, of course) where K[t] is a matrix (12x12) with very long formulas. And it is already solved for the derivatives. – Andrew Nov 6 '16 at 0:22
• Do you mean a'[t] == K[t]*a[t] or a'[t] == K[t].a[t]? – Michael E2 Nov 6 '16 at 0:29
• Of course a'[t] == K[t].a[t] – Andrew Nov 6 '16 at 0:41
• I didn't actually think it would help. I meant to show that without your code, or further hints about it, there doesn't seem to be anything that can be done. -- For instance, I don't think you can get the error you get with the set-up you describe. So there's something unusual, probably in K[t] unless there's an error in your code. At least that's my thinking at present. – Michael E2 Nov 6 '16 at 2:01

I found a solution of an error:

Method->{"EquationSimplification"->"Solve"}


This one helped me.

• This does seem to work. This is suggested in Mathematica 9, which also gives more useful error: The time constraint of 1.` seconds was exceeded trying to solve for derivatives, so the system will be treated as a system of differential-algebraic equations. You can use Method->{"EquationSimplification"->"Solve"} to have the system solved as ordinary differential equations. – Ruslan Nov 17 '16 at 20:05