# ODE review question for PDE class. (word question)

1. Aug 3, 2009

### Nick Bruno

1. This problem concerns a nonhomogeneous second order linear ODE L[y] = g(t).
Suppose that:
y1(t) satisfies the ODE with the initial conditions y(0)=1, y'(0) = 0,
y2(t) satisfies the ODE with the initial conditions y(0)=0, y'(0) = 1, and
y3(t) satisfies the ODE with the initial conditions y(0)=0, y'(0) = 0.
Find the solution to the ODE with the initial conditions y(0) = alpha, y'(0) = beta. Justify your answer.

2. Relevant equations... this is my problem

3. I havent started this class yet, but this should be a review from my ODE class. (Its been a long while) This homework question is actually from a partial differential equation class starting in the fall.

from what I remember, second order ODE means there is a second derivative involved. The linear term implies an intremental decrease (or increase) in exponents and the nonhomogeneous term implies that Q(x) does not equal 0.

It seems the question is giving an equation L[y] = g(t) but I dont see any primes or derivatives in this equation, no exponents, and I think the notation may be screwing me up? Any advice would help. Regards,

2. Aug 3, 2009

### Staff: Mentor

L[y] is an operator that represents a 2nd order, linear, nonhomogeneous differential equation. For your problem, I think you can assume that L[y] = a(t)y'' + b(t)y' + c(t)y.

3. Aug 3, 2009

thank you