Finding the general solution of the given differential equation

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The discussion revolves around solving the nonhomogeneous differential equation y'' + 2y' + y = 2e^-t. The initial attempt using Y(t) = Ae^-t led to a contradiction, prompting a shift to y' + y = 2e^-t, resulting in y = 2te^-t + ce^-t. However, since this solution includes a term already present in the homogeneous solution, it was deemed redundant. To find a valid particular solution, it was suggested to multiply by t^2, which successfully yielded a new solution. The general approach emphasizes the need for distinct forms in both the homogeneous and particular solutions.
bigu01
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y"+2y'+y=2e^-t
I tried to find the solution for this nonhomogenous diff. Equation but i could not. First i took a function Y(t)=Ae^-t but i was getting 0=2e^-t.
To get rid of that i took another y'+y=2e^-t and found the solution y=2te^-t + ce^-t. Noticed that first part of this finding is solution of my nonhomogenous diff equation so i took another function Y(t)=Ate^-t but then again i am finding the same answer, i need some tips on how to continue. The general solution for this equation as homogenous equation has repeated roots.
 
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When the characteristic equation has repeated roots,the answer is Ae^{qt}+Bte^{qt}.
For finding the particular solution,take y_p=f(t)e^{-t} and try finding f(t).
 
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bigu01 said:
... Noticed that first part of this finding is solution of my nonhomogenous diff equation so i took another function Y(t)=Ate^-t but then again i am finding the same answer...
The homogeneous differential equation is second order and so the general solution is composed of two linearly independent pieces. One of those pieces is precisely of the form Y(t) = Ate-t, so subbing this in as a particular solution is redundant. You have to look for another form.
 
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I multiplied my function by t^2, since by multiplying only by t was not working, and it worked.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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