Finding general soln of differential eqn (zero under the root)

In summary, a general solution of a differential equation is a function that satisfies the equation for all possible values of the independent variable, containing a set of constants that allows for an infinite number of possible solutions. The general solution can be found by solving the equation for the dependent variable and then adding any arbitrary constants, with the number of constants needed equal to the order of the differential equation. Having a zero under the root in a differential equation means that the equation has no real or complex solutions, which can occur when the equation has a complex variable or is not well-defined. A differential equation can have an infinite number of general solutions due to the arbitrary constants present. A particular solution is a specific solution that satisfies the equation for a given set of initial
  • #1
darryw
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Homework Statement



9y'' + 6y' + y = 0

r^2 + 6r + 1

( -6 +/- root 36 - 36 ) / 18

lamda = -6/18 = -(2/9)
mu = 0

(this is the part I am unsure about, because if i end up with a zero under the root, then does this make the final equation into this:

y = c_1*cos(0*x) + c_2*sin(0*x)

thanks for any help.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
First, [itex]-\frac{6}{18}=-\frac{1}{3}\neq-\frac{2}{9}[/tex].

Second, when you have a double root, [itex]\lambda[/itex], you look for a solution of the form [itex]y(t)=C_1e^{\lambda t}+C_2 t e^{\lambda t}[/itex]
 

1. What is a general solution of a differential equation?

A general solution of a differential equation is a function that satisfies the equation for all possible values of the independent variable. It contains a set of constants that allows for an infinite number of possible solutions.

2. How do you find the general solution of a differential equation?

The general solution of a differential equation can be found by solving the equation for the dependent variable and then adding any arbitrary constants. The number of constants needed is equal to the order of the differential equation.

3. What does it mean for a differential equation to have a zero under the root?

Having a zero under the root in a differential equation means that the equation has no real or complex solutions. This can occur when the equation has a complex variable or when it is not a well-defined function.

4. Can a differential equation have more than one general solution?

Yes, a differential equation can have an infinite number of general solutions. This is because the general solution contains arbitrary constants that can take on different values, resulting in different solutions.

5. What is the difference between a particular solution and a general solution of a differential equation?

A particular solution of a differential equation is a specific solution that satisfies the equation for a given set of initial conditions. A general solution, on the other hand, contains all possible solutions to the equation with a set of arbitrary constants.

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