# A problem with solution

1. Mar 3, 2012

### zoom1

Have an equation;

d2y(t)/dt2 + 5d2y(t)/dt2 + 4y(t) = 2e-2t

Solved the complementary(homogenous) part and the function and got the roots of -1 and -4

so the yh(t) is A1.e-4t + A2.e-t

Forcing function is 2.e-2t so yparticular(t) is A.e-2t

Am I right here ? Or am I supposed to use Ate-2t

Well, if I use the first one, the resultant function doesn't give me the 2.e-2t when I put it into the differential equation, so there is something wrong obviously.

However F(t) or one of its derivatives are not identical to terms in the homogenous solution, so I think I have to use the first option, which is A.e-2t

After proceeding I ended up with yp(t) = 1/3.e-2t

Initial values are y(0) = 0 and y(1)(0) = 0

so, K1 = -1/9 and K2 = -2/9

Still couldn't find where I am wrong
Appreciate if you help me.

2. Mar 3, 2012

### gulfcoastfella

For the differential equation you posted, the above roots are not correct. Did you intend for there to be two second order terms in the equation when you posted it?

3. Mar 4, 2012

### zoom1

Ohh, pardon me, the second term is not the second derivative, it had to be first derivative.

4. Mar 4, 2012

### Office_Shredder

Staff Emeritus
You should double check your calculation for Ae-2t

5. Mar 4, 2012

### zoom1

Got it! Thank you ;)

6. Mar 4, 2012

### gulfcoastfella

I got a particular solution of y$_{p}$ = -e$^{-2t}$. See if you get the same.

7. Mar 4, 2012

### dash-dot

I get $A_1=\frac{1}{3}$ and $A_2=\frac{3}{2}$. The particular solution given above is correct.