Method of undetermined coefficients

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the method of undetermined coefficients, specifically focusing on finding a particular solution to the differential equation y'' + y' - 6y = 10e^2x - 18e^3x - 6x - 11. Participants explore the application of the product rule in differentiation and the implications of terms in the context of the complementary solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation and their complementary solution, expressing confusion about applying the product rule to the term Axe^2x.
  • Another participant confirms that the product rule should be used and notes that certain derivatives will not differentiate the x-factor, leading to some terms disappearing.
  • A participant questions why the x factor does not get differentiated in certain terms.
  • A further explanation is provided regarding the differentiation of products, detailing how terms are treated when applying the product rule, particularly in relation to the associated homogeneous problem.
  • Clarification is offered that the misunderstanding lies in interpreting which terms effectively differentiate the x factor versus those that do not.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the application of the product rule, leading to some confusion. There is no consensus on the interpretation of the differentiation process, as some participants clarify and challenge earlier statements.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the application of the product rule and the specific treatment of terms in the differentiation process. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of mathematical principles without reaching a definitive conclusion.

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:
[tex]\alpha{h}''+\beta{h}'+\gamma{h}=L(x)[/tex]
we may write this as:
[tex]f(x)(\alpha{g}''+\beta{g}'+\gamma{g})+(\alpha(2f'(x)g'(x)+f''(x)g)+\beta{f}'g)=L(x)[/tex]
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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