Differential equations - 2nd order homogenous eq'n w/ unknown

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the second-order homogeneous differential equation given by t d²y/dt² - (1+3t) dy/dt + 3y = 0, with a solution form of e^(ct). The general solution is confirmed as y(t) = c1(1+3t) + c2e^(3t). The user successfully applies the reduction of order method and verifies that the transformation y(t) = c1e^(3t) + c3(3t+1) is valid, with c3 defined as -1/9c2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order homogeneous differential equations
  • Familiarity with the method of reduction of order
  • Knowledge of exponential functions and their properties
  • Basic calculus concepts, including derivatives and integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of reduction of order in detail
  • Explore the characteristics of second-order differential equations
  • Learn about the Wronskian and its application in solving differential equations
  • Investigate the role of initial conditions in determining unique solutions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of solution techniques for second-order homogeneous equations.

braindead101
Messages
158
Reaction score
0
Given that the equation
t d^2y/dt^2 - (1+3t) dy/dt + 3y = 0. has a solution of the form e^ct, for some constant c, find the general solution (The answer is y(t) = c1(1+3t) + c2e^(3t)

Edit: I finished this question as i figured it out. but when i come down to the last step, i get this
y1(t) = e^3t
y2(t) = -1/3t - 1/9

y(t) = c1y1(t) + c2y2(t)
y(t) = c1e^3t + c2(-1/3t-1/9)
y(t) = c1e^3t + -1/9c2(3t+1)

can i bet c3 = -1/9c2?
so it's
y(t) = c1e^3t + c3(3t+1)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
braindead101 said:
I havn't done a question like this, so I don't know where to start. should i divide everything by t and do reduction of order?

Why divide by t?

Are you familiar with how the reduction of order method woks? This site should help
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/AllBrowsers/3401/ReductionofOrder.asp
 
Last edited by a moderator:
sorry i figured out how to do it,
can u confirm whether i am allowed to do the last step? i don't see why not but just incase
 
braindead101 said:
can u confirm whether i am allowed to do the last step? i don't see why not but just incase

Yes, it's right.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K