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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the ordinary differential equation (ODE) \(y'' - y = 2e^{-x} + 3e^{2}\) using the method of undetermined coefficients. The textbook answer provided is \(y = c_1 e^{x} + c_2 e^{-x} - xe^{-x} - 3x^{2} - 6\), which is incorrect according to the contributors. The correct approach involves verifying the solution against the original ODE, revealing discrepancies in the proposed solutions and emphasizing the need for accurate coefficient determination.

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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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