Particular Solution for y'' -5y' +6y = te^t with Simple Roots

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a particular solution for the differential equation y'' - 5y' + 6y = te^t. The characteristic equation has been identified, and the roots are noted as r = 2 and r = 3. Participants are exploring the implications of these roots in relation to the right-hand side of the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the definition of simple roots and their relevance to the problem. There is a discussion about the form of the particular solution and the relationship between the roots of the characteristic equation and the right-hand side of the differential equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the form of the particular solution, suggesting that it should not involve the exponential terms associated with the roots of the characteristic equation. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of the problem and the role of the roots in determining the particular solution.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the relationship between the roots of the characteristic equation and the terms in the particular solution, particularly in relation to the right-hand side of the equation. Participants are also discussing the need to remember certain tables or forms related to the problem.

flyingpig
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Homework Statement



Find a particular soln

[tex]y'' -5y' +6y = te^t[/tex]


The characteristic eqtn is [tex]r^2 - 5r + 6 = (r - 2)(r - 3)[/tex]

r = 2, 3

According to my book

[PLAIN]http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/4539/unledxe.jpg

So I thought

[tex]y = t(At + A_0)e^{2t} + t(Bt + B_0)e^{3t}[/tex]


But not working...

what exatly is a simple root?
 
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Hi flyingpig! :smile:

You seemed to use r=2 and r=3, which is incorrect.
What is the correct r? You only need to look at the right-hand side of

[tex]y^{\prime\prime}-5y^\prime+6y=te^t[/tex]
 
To elaborate on what micromass said, r = 2 and r = 3 are roots of the characteristic equation, meaning that e2t and e3t are solutions of the homogeneous equation y'' - 5y' + 6y = 0. All solutions of this equation have the form yc = c1e2t + c2e3t, where yc is the complementary solution (the solution to the homogeneous problem).

What you're asked for is a particular solution of the equation y'' - 5y' + 6y = tet. This solution will involve et, but won't involve e2t or e3t.
 
I would try a particular solution of the form:
[tex] y_{p}=ate^{t}+be^{t}[/tex]
 
But that's what (14) says
 
and did you try it?
 
[tex]y = t(At + A_0)e^{t}[/tex]?
 
No. It is not the same function hunt_mat suggested. Try that. ehild
 
flyingpig said:
[tex]y = t(At + A_0)e^{t}[/tex]?
You're not reading the problem correctly, particularly item (i).
"s = 0 if r is not a root of the associated auxiliary equation."
 
  • #10
Mark44 said:
You're not reading the problem correctly, particularly item (i).
"s = 0 if r is not a root of the associated auxiliary equation."

Yeah I don't understand what dose that mean? r is a root, i have two??
 
  • #11
r has nothing to do with the characteristic equation. r is determined by the right-hand side of the equation, that is: [itex]te^t[/itex].
Thus t=1 here.

Now, to determine s, the characteristic equation does come into play. You'll need to check whether r is a root of the characteristic equation.
 
  • #12
micromass said:
r has nothing to do with the characteristic equation. r is determined by the right-hand side of the equation, that is: [itex]te^t[/itex].
Thus t=1 here.

Now, to determine s, the characteristic equation does come into play. You'll need to check whether r is a root of the characteristic equation.

That clears up a lot.

Just one other thing. Is the table one of those things yo just have to remember?
 

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