Method of undetermined coefficients

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the method of undetermined coefficients for solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Participants are exploring how to find particular solutions for given ODEs, discussing both the theoretical aspects and practical application of the method.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an ODE and expresses uncertainty about finding the particular solution, $y_p$.
  • Another participant suggests that the form of the particular solution should be a polynomial based on the right-hand side of the ODE and provides a specific form to use.
  • There is a request for a reference table that outlines the forms of particular solutions, indicating some participants are unfamiliar with the resources available.
  • Some participants clarify that the choice of the particular solution is based on the right-hand side function of the ODE.
  • One participant successfully determines the particular solution for one ODE but struggles with another, indicating ongoing uncertainty in the process.
  • A detailed substitution and coefficient comparison is provided for one of the ODEs, leading to a specific form of the general solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to finding particular solutions based on the right-hand side of the ODE. However, there remains uncertainty and confusion regarding specific details, such as the use of reference tables and the interpretation of certain terms.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about specific terms and concepts related to the method of undetermined coefficients, indicating a need for clarification on definitions and the application of the method.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students preparing for exams in differential equations, particularly those seeking to understand the method of undetermined coefficients and its application in finding particular solutions.

ineedhelpnow
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Use the method of undetermined coefficients to find a general solution of the ODE:
$y''+3y'+2y=2x^{2}+4x+5$$r^{2}+3r+2=0$
$r=-2$ and $r=-1$
$y_{h}=c_{1}e^{-2x}+c_{2}e^{-x}$
I'm not sure how to get $y_{p}$ here

So here's what I've done so far. I have my final exam tomorrow and I have a few questions to go over as a review. I need help with the rest of this!

Here's another one:
$y''+3y''+3y'+y=e^{x}-x-1$

$r^{3}+3r^{2}+3r+1=0$
$r_{1,2,3}=-1$
$y_{h}=c_{1}e^{-x}+xe^{-x}(c_{2}+c_{3})$
Not really sure how to get $y_{p}$ here either
 
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1.) You have correctly identified the homogeneous solution, and so if we consult a table, we find that the particular solution must take the form:

$$y_p(x)=Ax^2+Bx+C$$

Then compute the needed derivatives, and substitute into the original ODE, and the equate the corresponding coefficients to determine $A,\,B,\,C$.

Can you proceed?

2.) You have correctly identified that the characteristic equation has the root $r=-1$ of multiplicity 3, and so the homogeneous solution will take the form:

$$y_h(x)=c_1e^{-x}+c_2xe^{-x}+c_3x^2e^{-x}$$

Consulting a table, and applying the principle of superposition, we find the particular solution must take the form:

$$y_p(x)=Ae^x+Bx+C$$

Can you proceed? :)
 
I understand. But can you please post the table or a picture of it?! Because I can't find it anywhere in my book but I know there is one because I have referenced it before.
 
Here is the table (along with its justification):

http://mathhelpboards.com/math-notes-49/justifying-method-undetermined-coefficients-4839.html
 
I don't really understand what Pn is. :(
 
ineedhelpnow said:
I don't really understand what Pn is. :(

If $g(x)$ contains the $n$th degree polynomial $p_n(x)$, then the particular solution (in types I and IV) will contain the $n$th degree polynomial $P_n(x)$.
 
the particular solution is chosen based on the RHS, correct?
 
ineedhelpnow said:
the particular solution is chosen based on the RHS, correct?

Yes, if the ODE is of the form:

$$L[y](x)=g(x)$$

then we base the form of our particular solution on $g(x)$. If you prefer not to use a table, you can use the annihilator method to find the form of the particular solution:

http://mathhelpboards.com/questions-other-sites-52/jeromes-questions-yahoo-answers-regarding-inhomogeneous-linear-odes-4718.html
 
I figured the first one out but I still can't get around the second.
 
  • #10
Okay, the second one is:

$$y'''+3y''+3y'+y=e^{x}-x-1$$

We have already established the homogeneous solution is:

$$y_h(x)=c_1e^{-x}+c_2xe^{-x}+c_3x^2e^{-x}=e^{-x}\left(c_3x^2+c_2x+c_1\right)$$

Next, we posit that the particular solution must take the form:

$$y_p(x)=Ae^x+Bx+C$$

So, we need to compute:

$$y_p'(x)=Ae^x+B$$

$$y_p''(x)=Ae^x$$

$$y_p'''(x)=Ae^x$$

Now, substituting these into the given ODE, there results:

$$Ae^x+3Ae^x+3(Ae^x+B)+Ae^x+Bx+C=e^{x}-x-1$$

$$8Ae^x+Bx+3B+C=e^{x}-x-1$$

By equating corresponding coefficients, we obtain:

$$8A=1\implies A=\frac{1}{8}$$

$$B=-1$$

$$3B+C=-1\implies C=2$$

Thus, the particular solution is:

$$y_p(x)=\frac{1}{8}e^x-x+2$$

And so the general solution is:

$$y(x)=y_h(x)+y_p(x)=e^{-x}\left(c_3x^2+c_2x+c_1\right)+\frac{1}{8}e^x-x+2$$
 

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