How to Solve a 2nd Order Non-Homogeneous DE with Repeated Roots?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the second-order non-homogeneous differential equation 4y'' + 4y' + y = cos(2t) with initial conditions y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 0. The characteristic roots are identified as repeated, specifically m = -1/2, leading to the homogeneous solution y_h = A_1 e^{-t/2} + A_2 te^{-t/2}. The particular solution is derived using undetermined coefficients, yielding yp = A cos(2t) + B sin(2t), with coefficients A = -15/289 and B = 8/289. The final solution is corrected to include A_1 = 15/289 and A_2 = -1/34 after identifying an arithmetic error in the calculations.

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ElijahRockers
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Homework Statement



4y''+4y'+y = cos(2t), y(0)=0, y'(0)=0

Homework Equations



y(t)=yh+yp

The Attempt at a Solution



characteristic roots are repeated, m=-1/2, so

y_h = A_1 e^{\frac{-t}{2}}+A_2 te^{\frac{-t}{2}}

undetermined coefficients:

yp = Acos(2t)+Bsin(2t)

plugging into original equation and solving, I got A= -15/289 and B= 8/289

using initial conditions, I got A_1 = 15/289 and A_2 = -47/578

so

y(t) = \frac{15}{289}e^{\frac{-t}{2}} - \frac{47}{578}te^{\frac{-t}{2}} - \frac{15}{289}sin(2t) + \frac{8}{289}cos(2t)

should be the answer, but apparently it's wrong. I have checked over my work and can't find the fault.
 
Last edited:
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Your process is correct. You solved L[y] = 0 and your assumption for the solution of L[y] = cos(2t) is also good. It's more than likely an arithmetic error.
 
Checked it a second time. I must've typed something into the calculator wrong at the very end of the question, just my luck.
-\frac{47}{578} should be -\frac{1}{34} instead.
 

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