How Do You Solve a Tricky Second Order Nonhomogeneous Differential Equation?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on solving the initial value problem for the second order nonhomogeneous differential equation y'' + 8.4y' + 17.64y = e^(-4.2x) with initial conditions y(0) = 1 and y'(0) = 1. The solution involves finding the complementary function (yc) from the homogeneous equation y'' + 8.4y' + 17.64y = 0, resulting in yc = c1e^(-4.2x) + c2xe^(-4.2x). To find the particular solution (yp), the correct assumption is yp = Ax^2e^(-4.2x), which should be substituted back into the differential equation to solve for the coefficient A.

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Homework Statement


solve the initial value problem:
y''+8.4y'+17.64y=e-4.2x
y(0)=1, y'(0)=1

y(x)=?


Homework Equations


y=yc+yp


The Attempt at a Solution



The way I tried to achieve is to solve the corresponding homo equation first:
y''+8.4y'+17.64y=0, which gives yc;
yc=c1e-4.2x+c2e-4.2xx

Then try to find yp, generally I would assume a yp=Ae-4.2x, but from the yc got above, clearly yp=Ae-4.2x or yp=Ae-4.2xx is not good. If I add one more 'x' in yp assumption,in which it seems A has to be 0, which is not right either...

Any idea? Or I made some mistake?

Meric.
 
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Assuming that the work you show is correct, yp = Ax2e-4.2x is the right choice. Plug it into your DE and solve for A.
 

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