Feedback linea rizationlinearization can be accomplished with systems that have relative degree less than <math>n</math>. However, the normal form of the system will include [[zero dynamics]] (i.e., states that are not [[observable]] from the output of the system) that may be unstable. In practice, unstable dynamics may have deleterious effects on the system (e.g., it may be dangerous for internal states of the system to grow unbounded). These unobservable states may be stable or at least [[controllable]], and so measures can be taken to ensure these states do not cause problems in practice.
