MHB Method of undetermined coefficients

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The discussion focuses on using the method of undetermined coefficients to solve ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Participants correctly identify the homogeneous solutions for the given ODEs and seek assistance in determining the particular solutions. For the first ODE, the particular solution is suggested to take the form of a quadratic polynomial, while for the second ODE, an exponential function combined with a polynomial is proposed. By substituting the assumed forms into the original equations and equating coefficients, the participants derive the particular solutions and ultimately the general solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct form for the particular solution based on the right-hand side of the ODE.
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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