-17.2.9 Solve \ y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2} by undetermined coefficients

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) \( y'' - y = 2e^{-x} + 3e^{2} \) using the method of undetermined coefficients. Participants explore the correctness of the textbook answer and the formulation of the ODE itself.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the ODE and the textbook answer, suggesting a solution format.
  • Another participant questions whether the ODE might actually be \( y'' - y = 2e^{-x} + 3x^2 \) and proposes an equivalent solution format.
  • A later reply expresses uncertainty about the correctness of the original ODE and the textbook answer, indicating a lack of clarity on the steps involved in deriving the solution.
  • Another participant critiques the textbook answer, arguing that it contains errors and does not satisfy the original equation, providing a detailed breakdown of the derivatives involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the correctness of the textbook answer or the formulation of the ODE. Multiple competing views remain regarding the proper solution approach and the validity of the proposed answers.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the assumptions made about the ODE's formulation and the correctness of the proposed solutions. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the steps and methods used in solving the equation.

karush
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ok going to see if i can do the steps
$\textrm{17.2.9 Solve the given equation by the method of undetermined coefficients.}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2}
\end{align*}
$\textit{ textbook answer is:}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y&=c_1e^{-x}+c_2 e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^{2}-6\\
\end{align*}
 
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Could if be that the given ODE is:

$$y''-y=2e^{-x}+3x^2$$

And the textbook answer is equivalent to:

$$y(x)=c_1e^x+c_2e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6$$ ?
 
I will proceed as if what I posted is correct, and give my solution below:

We see that the characteristic roots are:

$$r=\pm1$$

And so the homogeneous solution is:

$$y_h(x)=c_1e^{x}+c_2e^{-x}$$

We will assume our particular solution then will take the form:

$$y_p(x)=Axe^{-x}+Bx^2+Cx+D$$

Differentiating, we find:

$$y_p''(x)=-2Ae^{-x}+Axe^{-x}+2B$$

Substitution into the ODE gives us:

$$-2Ae^{-x}+Axe^{-x}+2B-\left(Axe^{-x}+Bx^2+Cx+D\right)=2e^{-x}+3x^2$$

$$-2Ae^{-x}-Bx^2-Cx-D+2B=2e^{-x}+3x^2+0x+0$$

Equating coefficients, we obtain:

$$-2A=2\implies A=-1$$

$$-B=3\implies B=-3$$

$$C=0$$

$$-D+2B=0\implies D=-6$$

And so our particular solution is:

$$y_p(x)=-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6$$

And thus, the solution to the ODE is:

$$y(x)=y_h(x)+y_p(x)=c_1e^{x}+c_2e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^2-6$$
 
probably

however the mml just closed so I can't check.
but the rewrite you gave is probably the one I submitted that was correct
unfortunately I got the answer from W|A
but didn't know the steps:confused:

wow, thanks again I would of spent a lot of time trying to get it
 
Last edited:
karush said:
ok going to see if i can do the steps
$\textrm{17.2.9 Solve the given equation by the method of undetermined coefficients.}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y''-y&=2e^{-x}+3e^{2}
\end{align*}
$\textit{ textbook answer is:}\\$
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
y&=c_1e^{-x}+c_2 e^{-x}-xe^{-x}-3x^{2}-6\\
\end{align*}
That "text book answer" very clearly is NOT correct. For one thing, c_1e^{-x}+ c_2e^{-x}= (c_1+ c_2)e^{-x}= ce^{-x}. I presume you meant c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}. But even y= c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 3x^2- 6 does NOT satisfy the given equation. For that y, y'= c_1e^x- c_2e^{-x}- e^{-x}+ xe^{-x}- 6x and y''= c_1e^x+ c_2e^{-x}+ 2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 6 so that y''- y= 2e^{-x}- xe^{-x}- 6 NOT 2e^{-x}+ 3e^2.
 

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