Second order differential equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a second-order differential equation of the form d²y/dx² - 2 dy/dx - 3y = x. Participants are exploring the complementary function and the particular integral as part of finding the general solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the complementary function and expresses uncertainty about the next steps. Some participants confirm the complementary solution and inquire about the form of the particular integral for a polynomial. Others suggest considering a specific integral form and question how to determine the coefficients involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on the form of the particular integral and clarifying the relationship between the complementary solution and the overall general solution. There is an exploration of different approaches to finding the particular integral, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the requirements of the problem, including the need to satisfy initial conditions, and are discussing the implications of the right-hand side of the equation.

doroulla
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hi. I can't figure out this question:

d2y/dx2 - 2 dy/dx - 3y = x

(i) find complementary function
(ii) find particular integral
(iii) using (i) and (ii) find the general solution
(iv) find the solution that satisfies the initial conditions:
y=2/9 at x=0 and dy/dx=-13/3 at x=0


i did:

m^2 - 2m - 3 = 0
(m-3)(m+1)=0
real and distinct solutions thus

y = Ae^(3x) + Be^(-x)

thus dy/dx = 3Ae^3x - Be^-x

d2y/dx2 = 9Ae^3x + Be^-x

now i have no idea how to continue. As i understood what i found above is the complementary function. I think. Thank you
 
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doroulla said:
y = Ae^(3x) + Be^(-x)

Yes this would be the complementary solution.

What the particular integral for a polynomial?
 
i think its something to do with the x on the right hand side but i don't know how to do it. Do i integrate that side?

I know when you have a y in the equation you integrate the constants infront of the y. But in this case i don't have this.
 
Try a specific integral of the form Ax^2+ Bx+ C. What must A, B, and C equal to satisfy the equation? Recall that the general solution to the entire equation is the general solution to the associated homogeneous equation (the "complementary solution") plus a specific integral.
 

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