Method of undetermined coefficients

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The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation y'' + y' - 6y = 10e^2x - 18e^3x - 6x - 11 using the method of undetermined coefficients. The complementary solution is identified as c1e^2x + c2e^-3x, and the particular solution is proposed as yp = Axe^2x + Be^3x + Cx + D. Confusion arises regarding the application of the product rule for differentiating the term Axe^2x, with clarification provided that the x-factor does not differentiate in certain terms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the product rule to avoid misinterpretation of the derivatives involved. Understanding these differentiation rules is crucial for accurately solving the differential equation.
badman
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hello everyone, i need some huge help here. here's the equation :

y''+y'-6y=10e^2x-18e^3x-6x-11.

complementary solution:c1e^2x+c2e^-3x
s1={e^2x}
s2={e^3x}
s3=(x,1}
ok since e^2x exists in the complimentary solution, it is therefore a solution, so i multiply it by x to get s'1{xe^2x}, so now i have that and my s2 and s3.

so i end up with this:

yp=Axe^2x+Be^3x+Cx+D

heres where i get confused do i use the product rule for Axe^2x, if so do i end up with these two derivatives: y'p=Axe^2x+2Ae^2x+...etc, y''p=Axe^2x+4Ae^2x+...etc. i really get confused with this product rule thing.
 
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"heres where i get confused do i use the product rule for Axe^2x, if so do i end up with these two derivatives: y'p=Axe^2x+2Ae^2x+...etc, y''p=Axe^2x+4Ae^2x+...etc. i really get confused with this product rule thing."

Certainly you are to differentiate the whole thing!
Those derivatives of xe^2x that doesn't differentiate the x-factor, but effectively only differentiates the exponential, will disappear.
 
why doesn't it differentiate the x factor?
 
h(x)=f(x)g(x)
h'(x)=f(x)g'(x)+(f'(x)g(x))
h''(x)=f(x)g''(x)+(2f'(x)g'(x)+f''(x))
The paranthesized terms differentiaties f, the other terms regard f effectively as a constant multiple of the g-function.
Assuming some diff.eq:
\alpha{h}''+\beta{h}'+\gamma{h}=L(x)
we may write this as:
f(x)(\alpha{g}''+\beta{g}'+\gamma{g})+(\alpha(2f'(x)g'(x)+f''(x)g)+\beta{f}'g)=L(x)
Thus, if g is a solution of the associated homogenous problem, the first term vanishes identically.
 
Last edited:
arildno said:
Those derivatives of xe^2x that don't differentiate the x-factor, but effectively only differentiates the exponential, will disappear.
You misinterpreted this. arildno meant "in those terms where, using the product rule, the x itself was not differentiated".
For example, differentiating xf(x) using the product rule, I get f(x)+ xf '(x). The term "xf '(x)" is the one arildno was referring to.
 

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