How to solve a Nonhomogeneous differential equation with natural log?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the nonhomogeneous differential equation y'' - y' - 30y = ln(t). The user initially attempted the method of undetermined coefficients but encountered difficulties. The exact solution provided by Maple includes terms involving the exponential integral function, indicating that the method of undetermined coefficients is not applicable due to the nature of the right-hand side. Instead, the variation of parameters method is recommended for such equations.

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  • Understanding of second-order linear differential equations
  • Familiarity with the method of undetermined coefficients
  • Knowledge of variation of parameters
  • Basic concepts of the exponential integral function
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  • Study the method of variation of parameters for nonhomogeneous differential equations
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Mathematics students, educators, and professionals dealing with differential equations, particularly those seeking to understand methods for solving nonhomogeneous equations.

asourpatchkid
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y''-y'-30y=ln(t)

My attempt:
i tried to use the method of undetermined coefficients.
y''-y'-30y=ln(t)

Y(t)=A lnt
Y'(t)=A/t
Y''(t)= -A/t^2

I also tried:

Y(t) = A ln(t) + B 1/t + C 1/t^2


now I am stuck...any help??
 
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Can you at least solve the homogenous equation ?
 
Maple returns this solution:

y^{\prime \prime }-y^{\prime }-30y=\ln x,

Exact solution is : y\left( x\right) =-\frac{1}{30}\ln x-\frac{1}{55}e^{-5x}\mbox{Ei}\left( 1,-5x\right) -\allowbreak \frac{1}{66}e^{6x}\mbox{Ei}\left( 1,6x\right) +C_{1}e^{-5x}+C_{2}e^{6x}
 
You can only use "undetermined coefficients" on equations where the right hand side is one of the functions we get as solutions to linear equations with constant coefficients- exponentials, polynomials, sine and cosine, and combinations of those. For other "right hand sides", you will have to use "variation of parameters".

(And, typically, you have to leave the solution in terms of an integral since that usually results in integrals that have no elementary formula.)
 
all right, i just used the integral. thanks a lot!
 

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