The use of Lagrangian finite element methods for solving a Poisson problem produces systems of linear equations, the global stiffness equations. The components of the vectors which are the solutions of these systems are approximations to the exact solution of the problem at nodal points in the region of definition. There is thus associated with each nodal point an equation which can be thought of as a difference equation. Difference equations resulting from the use of polynomial trial functions of various orders on regular meshes of square and isosceles right triangular elements are derived. The rival merits of this technique of setting up a standard difference equation, as distinct from the more usual practice with finite elements of the repeated use of local stiffness matrices, are considered
