Recent content by drsmoothe2004

when using the power series to solve an ODE, is it always necessary to shift the index to 2 and 1 when taking the second and first derivatives of the power series respectively? i noticed that if i don't shift the index at all and leave them at n=0, it still works out fine? also, how...

so, just to clarify, there is no specific time to use eigenvalues or vectors to solve second order differential equations?

when would it be wise to use eigenvalues and eigenvectors to solve differential equations? i have a feeling for my exam, we will not be given a problem in matrix form such as \dot{x} = [1 2] ...[3 2] (2x2 matrix) multiplied by the vector x but rather we will be given an equation...

another problem 1. Homework Statement 3s / (s+1)4 2. Homework Equations find the inverse laplace 3. The Attempt at a Solution i used partial fractions to split it up into A/(s+1) + B/(s+1)2 +c/(s+1)3 +D/(s+1)4 which in turn gives me A(s+1)3 + B(s+1)2 + C(s+1) + D = 3s i...

haha, thanks. just as i received your post, i actually figured it out. but thank you for taking the time to look at my problem

Homework Statement s2-5 / s3+4s2+3s Homework Equations find the inverse laplace transform The Attempt at a Solution for the denominator, it can be factored out to s(s+3)(s+1) or one could complete the square and thus the denominator would be s(s+2)2-1. neither of this help in...

i have a final coming up on wednesday and my professor will post 8 different differential equations without telling us which method to use. i want to know (generally speaking of course) which method would work for certain types of second order differential equations. for instance, judicious...