Undetermined coefficients Definition and 5 Discussions

In mathematics, the method of undetermined coefficients is an approach to finding a particular solution to certain nonhomogeneous ordinary differential equations and recurrence relations. It is closely related to the annihilator method, but instead of using a particular kind of differential operator (the annihilator) in order to find the best possible form of the particular solution, a "guess" is made as to the appropriate form, which is then tested by differentiating the resulting equation. For complex equations, the annihilator method or variation of parameters is less time-consuming to perform.
Undetermined coefficients is not as general a method as variation of parameters, since it only works for differential equations that follow certain forms.

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  1. phantom lancer

    Method of undetermined coefficients -- Help please

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  2. kostoglotov

    Need help understanding an aspect of undetermined coeff's

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  3. kostoglotov

    Trial solution, undetermined coefficients, 2nd order non-homogeneous equation

    Homework Statement Write a trial solution for the method of undetermined coefficients. Do not determine the coefficients. For: y'' + 2y' + 10y = x^2e^{-x}\cos{3x} There's a modification performed and I'm not 100% confident as to why. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The...
  4. D

    High order differential equations: undetermined coefficients

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  5. D

    2nd order differential equation: undetermined coefficients

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